Her family was among the dozens that went to Santa’s Forest Christmas tree farm in Shafter.
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Fresh-cut trees add a special touch to the festive season, but be prepared to work to keep that fresh look. There are many others listed – to find a tree farm closest to you, visit the Nebraska Christmas Tree Growers Association online at NebraskaChristmasTreeGrowers.com.
All of the trees are grown on their land in St Helens, and you can either choose from the pre-cut range in the retail area, or head out into the fields and get your hands dirty choosing your own tree. “Iowa is fortunate to have more than 100 Christmas tree farms in all parts of the state, so everyone has the opportunity to get their own fresh tree to help celebrate”.
The Christmas tree industry has been growing about 2 to 3 percent every year since 2009.
Ty O’Neal, 11, and Joshua O’Neal, 6, said they enjoy hot chocolate with marshmallows and helping cut down their own tree. “I used to come with my mom and dad before I got married but I haven’t come since we’ve been married”, says Hannah Beaudion.
The farm also donates a live tree to the Cordele American Legion Post every year.
Another space saver for the more adventurous: the self-explanatory upside down tree.
He said firs last longer than pines.
Bauer said his evergreens are pruned each year in July, and the good weather of late summer allowed them to fill back in nicely.
Artificial trees are great for families that want a handsome holiday centerpiece that requires no maintenance.
That sentiment appears to be a popular one, according to Jason Autry, produce team leader at the Whole Foods on Highway 280 and one of the multiple Whole Foods employees who was working the store’s Christmas tree lot Friday afternoon.
The Coopers’ farm also features a small petting zoo and fixtures like the giant white reindeer for photo ops, but Christmas trees remain their main focus. This year, his nieces came along as well.
There is something else to consider when buying a tree.
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The Wigginses then pick up the downed trees with tractors and take them to shake loose pine needles out and bundle them for the trip home.
