Questions
and Answers
What
types of trees do you have?
We have Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Blue Spruce, Douglas
Fir, White Pine and White (or Concolor) Fir. All of
these varieties have excellent needle retention if they
are properly cared for after being cut down. For more
information and pictures, please visit the tree
varieties page.
How
much do the trees cost?
In 2007, all Cut-Your-Own trees cut before December
18 are $55 (includes sales tax), without regard to the
tree variety or size. Starting December 18, the price
is $50. Alll Cut-Your-Own tree customers also receive
a beautiful pewter ornament. We also have a large selection
of fresh, pre-cut trees and living trees available in
the barnyard on the main farm. They are sold by the
foot. The pre-cut trees range in size from 2 feet to
15 feet tall.
How
big are the trees?
In our Cut-Your-Own Tree fields, there is a
wonderful selection of trees that are 10 feet tall and
shorter. The taller trees are often cut earlier in the
season by customers. In our barnyard, we do sell pre-cut
trees that range in size from 2 feet tall to 15 feet
tall. We strongly recommend that you measure your ceiling
height before your farm visit! Out in the fields, trees
might appear smaller to you than they actually are.
Also, please be advised that the very tall trees are
extremely heavy, requiring a substantial vehicle to
transport them home and often a special tree stand.
For those looking for a tree larger than 15 feet tall,
please stop by the farm to make an appointment to pick
up your tree during a weekday.
What
should I bring when I come to the farm to cut a tree?
We recommend you bring a tarp to pull your tree through
the tree fields. We do provide free twine for tying
the tree to your car. We also have handsaws for visitors
to borrow. If you own a handsaw and are visitng the
farm on the first two weekends in December, you might
wish to bring it. Please wear sturdy shoes and warm
clothing. Please get the farm by 4 PM if you wish to
cut your own tree.
Can
my group come to your farm?
Some Christmas tree customers bring refreshments to
eat after their tree harvest. This is acceptable as
long as any set-up required does not interfere
with the parking lot traffic flow or does not occupy
parking spaces needed for other farm visitors.
All paper and food trash must be taken
home with the group. We do not have space for extended
picnics or tailgates. The first two Sundays of December
are extremely busy; groups are asked not to come on
these two days. Tents, open fires, and ball
games are prohibited on the farm for safety
reasons. Smoking and alcohol consumption are
strictly prohibitied. Children must be attended
at all times. We expect that all participating
cars purchase a Christmas tree and not taking
a parking spot away from a Christmas tree customer.
Can
I bring my dog to the farm?
Yes, your dog is allowed during tree season as long
as it is on a leash at all times and remains on the
paths in the Christmas tree woods. We strongly discourage
dogs in the historic barnyard. No dogs are allowed in
the winery, gift shop or wreath barn. Damage done by
dogs is the responsibility of the owner. We request
you bring a plastic bag and scoop the poop into farm
waste containers.
Do
you deliver trees?
No, we do not deliver trees. However, in our
barnyard at the main farm, we do sell pre-cut trees
and we have staff that can help you select the tree,
carry it to your car, and tie it to your car if you
wish. In the barnyard, we have an assortment of small
trees that are light and manageable.
Do
you take credit cards?
We do not accept credit cards for the harvest-your-own
trees. Credit cards are only accepted for wreaths, garlands
and precut trees in the main farmyard, as well as in
the winery and the gift shop. Thank you for understanding.
Does
Santa visit your farm?
Yes, Santa will visit the farm on December 15 and 16,
2007.
Is
the farm handicap-accessible?
In the main farmyard parking lot, there are handicap-accessible
parking spaces. The barnyard is a relatively flat surface
that some wheelchairs are able to handle if the weather
conditions are good.
How
do I take care of my fresh-cut tree?
To help make your tree last for several weeks you should:
Use a good tree stand that holds lots of water - up
to a gallon is best. Cut at least one half inch from
the bottom of the trunk before putting the tree in its
stand. A tree oozes sap, which will harden and block
water flow, unless set in water immediately. Water the
tree daily. Check it often to be sure it doesn't dry
out. A properly watered tree will never be a fire hazard.
If possible, locate the tree in a cooler part of the
room, away from heaters, which speed the drying-out
process.
Should
I be concerned if my tree loses a few needles?
No.While hardwood trees lose all of their leaves each
fall, evergreen trees lose only part of their needles
or leaves each fall. Needles shed naturally after two
to five years of growth depending on the species. Those
brown dry needles you see on the floor come from inside
the evergreen. They fall out after the first frosts
in October and on through the winter. This cycle is
their normal life routine and accounts for the carpet
of needles on the ground on an evergreen forest. Before
setting up your tree in the house, stamp your tree on
the ground and shake well to dislodge all dry interior
needles.
What
do I do with my tree after the holidays?
After the holidays, a Christmas tree has many uses:
Place it in the garden or back yard for use as a winter
bird feeder. Orange slices, stale bread with peanut
butter, and suet attract birds and the branches provide
shelter. A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches
may be removed for mulch in the garden or for window
box decor. The trunk can be used for fuel, woodworking
projects, or chopped for mulch. Fir tree foliage can
be stripped from the branches and snipped into small
pieces for stuffing into aromatic fir needle pillows.
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