Our Tree Farm  On this page: Selecting Your Tree | Caring for Your Tree | Tree Facts | Recycling Your Tree Christmas Traditions | Decorating Ideas | Tree Farm Events A NEW HAMPSHIRE FAMILY TRADITION: Choose & Cut Christmas Trees! Recapture the spirit and magic of an old fashioned Christmas while you create your own family traditions at                    Christmas Country Tree Farm & Christmas Gallery Barn, located on Rt. 108 N in Plaistow, NH. Please tell your friends about Christmas Country!

• 20 acres of carefully pruned plantation grown fragrant trees.
• Beautiful views
• Birds and wildlife.
• Wide variety and great selection of live trees: 10 thousand+ Christmas trees.
• Established 1982

Enjoy the great outdoors while you pick your own fresh tree. Come early for best selection, and cut it for freshness and fragrance. All trees are $45 each (cash only) and come with a free ornament of your choice from a selected group of Old World, Hand Blown, German Christmas ornaments. Saws, carry carts, measuring sticks, and free hot cocoa during cutting time. 

GROWING CHRISTMAS TREES

The holiday season will soon be upon us and our Christmas trees have been prepared and are ready for harvesting. The process of obtaining a perfectly shaped and healthy tree is a year-long and full-time job involving month by month work done to bring a tree that will live on in photographs taken that exciting Christmas morning. From seedling to healthy Christmas tree, there are many steps to growing that require month by month work. Growing Christmas trees is a lot like growing citrus because they always need monitoring, grooming, and protection from pests. And, maintenance is constant.

Growing trees is a year-long process! The steps include:

• Planting: A thousand trees a year. Young trees are planted by hand in the fields as 4- or 5-year old transplants. Careful attention is paid to planning where the trees are planted for maximum growth while preserving the farm. This results in a mix of Christmas trees, wetlands and open areas suited for good farming practices while preserving wildlife habitats.
• Fertilizing & Weeding: The young trees demand constant attention. We fertilize and weed around them in a manner similar to how you take care of a vegetable garden.
• Pruning & Shearing: We start to the shape the young trees after 3 years in the field. This shearing process helps produce a full well balanced tree for you to enjoy in your home. Trees are pruned for a minimum of three years so the tree attains that perfect shape.

Skip's average farm work day, seven days a week, is 8-10 hours in the summer and 4-5 hours in the winter. The growing span can take 10 years for a pine, and up to 15 years for a fir. The trees are sold off the stump at the farm where children are fascinated by the thought of searching for and selecting a tree

The type of tree you buy depends on how you want to decorate it. The various species of tree allows for meeting different needs. Some people need sparse trees, so there is a lot of room to place ornaments around the tree, while others need firm branches for heavy decorations. We have a good variety of 4 different species available, from Douglas Firs to Concolor Firs.

Even though production is booming, the news is not all good for Christmas tree decorators. Many communities are banning curbside tree pick up after Christmas. However, there are places that provide for tree drop-offs. And, of course, you can always recycle your tree.

But, the best part is being able to enjoy a little bit of Christmas all year long. Nothing beats real Christmas trees for symbolism of the season!

“It’s fun to watch the little ones”, says Skip. “And, of course, we have a mailbox for Santa.

Christmas Country Tree Farm is Growing For You!

Selecting Your Tree: Since the 1950's, the transformation from growing trees in the wild to culturing them on plantations has been dramatic. Today, few trees come from forest lands. Selecting the perfect Christmas tree is one of the highlights of many families pre-holiday preparations.

Choosing a tree that is 'just right' for you will be easier if you know what species you are looking for, the different features that indicate a good tree, and how to select and maintain freshness. Practically all species of evergreens are used for Christmas trees, although some are more popular than others. No one species can be considered the best all around Christmas tree, as each has its own individual characteristics.

Blue Spruce (click for picture)

The Blue Spruce has needles about 1 inch long, four sided, silvery green to blue green, stout, rigid, short pointed and extended at right angles from all sides of twigs.

Douglas Fir (click for picture)

The Douglas Fir is another short needled fir but is not related to the true firs. The needles are attached around the twig instead of in the feather-like arrangement of the Balsam fir. The branches are spreading to drooping; the bark is very thick, fluted, ridged, rough and dark brown; the needles are short stalked, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, soft to the touch, pliable and are dark yellow/green or blue-green, and radiate out in all directions from the branch. They have a sweet fragrance when crushed. While most true fir trees have rounded blunt buds, the Douglas Fir has reddish-brown buds that narrow at the tip into a sharp point. Young cones are small- from 2 to 4 inches long - oval shaped and hang downward with long 3 toothed leaf- like bracts sticking conspicuously out beyond the tips. They are reddish-brown to light brown to gray and do not dissipate to spread seed as do true firs (Abies sp.). The cones open in the late summer to disperse the seeds and will continue to hang on the trees through the fall. Nationally Douglas Fir remains one of the most popular Christmas trees species. Plantation trees are normally sheared and will produce a crop within about 10 years.

Fraser Fir (click for picture)

The Fraser Fir is very similar to the Balsam Fir, the minor difference is being confined mostly to the cones. Fraser fir and balsam fir are quite similar, although the geographic ranges of the two species do not overlap. The scales on their cones are long, usually twice as wide as long. Strong branches are turned slightly upward which gives the tree a compact appearance. Leaves (needles) are flattened, dark-green with a medial groove on the upper side and two broad silvery-white bands on the lower surface. These bands consist of several rows of stomata (pores). Leaves are 1/2 to one inch long, have a broad circular base, and are usually dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. On lower branches, leaves are two-ranked (occurring in two opposite rows). On upper twigs, leaves tend to curl upward forming a more "U-shaped" appearance.

Fraser fir is monecious meaning that both male and female flowers (strobili) occur on the same tree. Flowers are receptive in May to June depending on elevation and other environmental conditions. The species is wind pollinated, and cones mature in a single season. At maturity, cones are 2-2 1/2 inches long with bracts longer than the scales and appearing reflexed (bent over). The presence of these visible cone bracts is a distinguishing feature of Fraser fir as compared to balsam fir. Upon ripening in September to November, cones fall apart leaving an erect central core. Red squirrels are the primary consumers of seeds. Bark is usually gray or gray-brown, thin, smooth with numerous resin blisters on young trees. As trees become older, the bark tends to develop into thin, papery scales. The combination of form, needle retention, dark blue-green color, pleasant scent and excellent shipping characteristics has led to Fraser fir being a most popular Christmas tree species. North Carolina produces the majority of Fraser fir Christmas trees. It requires from 7 to 10 years in the field to produce a 6-7 feet tree.

White Fir- Concolor Fir (click for picture)

White Fir- Concolor Fir- produces a spire-like crown with a straight trunk. Leaves (needles) are small- usually 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch long-pointed or notched at the tip, flat, without stalks, bluish-green when young turning dull green with age, narrow and occur in rows. Upper branch needles tend to be thicker and more curved than those on lower branches.

The bark on younger trees is thin, smooth, and gray with numerous resin-bearing pockets. Older bark is thicker, reddish-brown to light gray and broken into irregular, flattened scales.

As a Christmas tree, white fir has good foliage color, a pleasing natural shape and aroma, and good needle retention. And, White fir is important to many species of wildlife- blacktail and mule deer feed on the buds and leaves during the winter; porcupines eat the bark; and Douglas pine squirrels are fond of the seeds. Grouse may also eat seeds after they fall from the cones.

A few simple steps to make the selection of a perfect Christmas tree easier:

• Determine where in your home you will display your tree. With this in mind you will be able to tell what height, size and shape you will need and whether all four sides must be suitable for display. Some prefer a slender tree, others want one which is larger and more bulky.
• Check for freshness by bending a tree needle to test its resiliency. Make sure it bounces back rather than breaks. Run your finger down a branch - the needles should adhere to each twig. Bump the base end of the tree lightly against the ground to verify that the needles are firmly attached and to see if any outside needles fall off (inside needle loss in Pine trees is common every Fall and may lodge against the branches). If only a few drop off, the tree is fresh.
• Look for a tree with an attractive good green color, a full bushy appearance, a pleasing fragrance, and sturdy enough branches to hold ornaments and strings of electric lights.
• Limbs should be strong enough to hold ornaments and strings of lights.

Here's why...Consider these important facts:

• Fake trees and wreaths are made from nonrenewable petroleum. Real Christmas trees and wreaths do not harm our environment and our resources because they are produced as an agricultural crop. Christmas tree growers yearly replace cut trees with a new crop of seedlings.
• When a fake tree catches fire, it puts dangerous toxic fumes into the air. A properly cared for real Christmas tree will not catch fire easily. If and when it does, its fumes will certainly not be as toxic. In addition, one acre of real Christmas tree removes carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and produces enough oxygen for 18 humans.
• Fake trees cannot be recycled. When disposed of in a sanitary landfill, fake will not disintegrate, but will remain there forever, taking up increasingly scarce landfill space. Our cities today are faced with a critical shortage of sanitary landfill space. Many of them, and states as well, have passed laws prohibiting disposal of real Christmas tree in a landfill. But what about disposal of fake Christmas tree? No legislation has yet been passed to prohibit their disposal in a landfill. A fake Christmas tree has no use whatsoever when disposed of, except to continue taking up space in critically- needed landfill space. Real Christmas trees are being used in various helpful ways when disposed of- such as ground up mulch to replenish the soil, fish habitat and other useful methods.
• Fake Christmas tree are manufactured mainly outside of the U.S. We hear much today about our economy being faced with a loss of jobs. Why do we continue to promote loss of jobs in the Christmas trees and wreaths industry by buying and using fake Christmas trees and wreaths when very few fake Christmas trees and wreaths are made in the United States by American labor? Thousands of jobs have already been lost in the Christmas trees and wreaths industry because continued sale and use of fake Christmas trees and wreaths continues to be encouraged.

Celebrate Christmas with a real Christmas tree and wreath, while helping protect our valuable nonrenewable environments! Over the years, the Christmas tree has come to symbolize the faith and hope of harmony among all mankind. This spirit is real. And, a real Christmas tree, when brought inside our homes, projects this feeling through its pleasant scent and natural warm beauty.

HARVEST YOUR FRESH TREE

We offer the greatest selection of very best quality trees in Southern NH at a reasonable and affordable price! For the best selection, chose your tree early. Our careful handling and attention provides the best tree for your home; a tree guaranteed for freshness and quality. And, our cold climate provides excellent conditions for the trees to harden off before cutting. Farm trees are all just $45 each (cash only). With any tree purchase choose a free ornament from a selected group of Old World, Hand Blown, German Christmas ornaments.

Tips To Keep Your Tree Fresh:

• To check for freshness when choosing your pre-cut tree, take a needle and if it snaps when bent, the moisture level in your tree is NOT good.
• Just before putting your tree in water cut the butt end of the tree at a diagonal about one inch above the original cut- this will open the pores up and aid in the absorption of water. Place it immediately in water. When a tree is cut, if left for more than several hours without water, the tree will form a seal of sap around the base and at that time makes it impossible for the tree to take in water.
• Store tree outdoors but protected from the sun and wind until you are ready to decorate it.- if possible cut the butt end and store in a bucket of water.
• Bring tree into a partially heated area the night before decorating it to help it gradually adjust to warmer temperatures.
• When you bring it into the house, saw the butt off again, squaring off the diagonal cut.
• Keep the tree away from all heat sources which can cause drying.
• Do not use combustible decorations on the tree. Never use lighted candles and check all lights, connections, and wiring for worn or frayed cords, cracks, or bare wires. Do not use damaged lighting or cords on real or artificial trees. Only use lights and cords that carry the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval
• Be sure to unplug the tree before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Check the water level at least once a day and replenish it as needed. Trees are thirsty. They may drink between two pints and a gallon of water per day. A tree will drink 65% of its water in the first week-a good rule of thumb is that for every l" of diameter, a tree will use a quart of water per day. For example, a 4" diameter tree will use I gallon of water per day for the first several days.
• Do not let your tree run out of water. If the water drops too low, the tree's base will seal over and it won't be able to absorb water. (Treat it as you would a bouquet of cut roses-keep it in water!).  

A real Christmas tree cannot start a fire. It has to have an ignition source. When a fire is started in a home and a real tree is involved, the actual source of the fire, usually electric in nature, usually goes unmentioned. The only thing you hear is that a real tree caused a fire. The same thing would happen with your kitchen counter if your coffee maker failed, a fire may occur but they don't say the counter top started the fire!

Add something to the water in the Christmas Tree Stand?

Adding something to the water will not help according to research done at WA State U. Advertisements for products to add to the water in your tree stand or concoctions with ingredients such as sugar, bleach, 7-Up, syrup, or vodka are ideas you will hear about. And, using a common home remedy of corn syrup and bleach leads to discoloration and needle loss.

Q: What is the best thing to add to your tree stand and water?
A: More water!

Dr. Gary Chastagner, a researcher at Washington State University, has been working with Christmas trees, and his findings suggest that your best bet is plain old tap water*. It doesn't have to be distilled water or mineral water or anything like that. So, the next time someone tells you to add ketchup or something even more bizarre to your tree stand, don't believe it. ** Using a common home remedy of corn syrup and bleach led to discoloration and needle loss.

Christmas Tree Facts

• Christmas Trees provide pleasant experiences filled with fun and fine spirit!
• Over 36 million American families enjoy the holidays with the fragrance and beauty of a real Christmas Tree every year.
• Choosing a real Christmas tree is a fun outing for the whole family and easy to do.
• Real Christmas trees are an all-American product, grown in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Most artificial trees are manufactured in Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.
• Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non- biodegradable plastics and metals. Christmas Trees are the ultimate recyclable: Dead trees provide mulch, bird feeders, fish refuge and shore-up material for beach fronts.
• For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2 to 3 seedlings are planted in its place.
• There are about I million acres in production for growing Christmas trees. Each acre of farmed Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen needs of 18 people.
• There are about 15,000 Christmas tree growers in the US, and over 100,000 people employed full or part time in the industry.
• There are approximately 5,000 choose and cut farms in the US.
• It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6 feet), but the average growing time is 7 years.
• The top Christmas tree producing states are Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, California, and North Carolina.
• The top selling Christmas trees are: Balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, Noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine, and White pine.
• Christmas Trees enrich our earth, our hearts and our souls.
• Christmas Trees give us plenty of fun!

Environmental Benefits of Christmas Trees

Your Tree Has Uses After The Holiday Season Too - RECYCLE YOUR TREE!

Visit: www.Earth911.org

Christmas trees are a source of life after the celebration of life during the holidays. Your Christmas tree is a natural product that can be recycled. Each year more consumers are discovering the recyclable, renewable benefits of real Christmas trees. Real Christmas trees, unlike artificial ones (which aren't biodegradable and will remain in Iandfills for centuries after their disposal), can provide something back to the environment in a variety of ways:

• Christmas trees are biodegradable- the trunk and branches can be chipped and used as mulch for gardens, parks, used on woodland trails to help prevent erosion, or in animal stalls. The mulch provides a protect barrier for the roots of other plants and vegetation while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients plants need to thrive.(Mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Check with your local department of public works for information*.)
• Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches and on river beds.
• Sunk into private fish ponds trees make excellent refuge and feeding areas, and good habitat for fish.
• Christmas trees can be used to make bird feeders, adding color excitement to the winter garden. Utilize orange slices, suet, bread and seed to attract the birds. They will come for the food and stay for the shelter in the branches.
• Use needles for making aromatic stuffing for sachets.
• Use as fuel in steam and electrical power generation*
• Remove and use branches as garden mulch.

Tree recycling provides a tangible and real completion of the recycle circle. So, real Christmas trees are a good choice for your community, the environment, and your family.

Important:

• Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup.
• Towns/cities can provide curbside pickup and deliver trees to a chipping site. Chipped material can then be recycled as mulch, allowed to compost for municipal or residents use, and/or made available for sale (Chipping trees creates a recycled product that can be used as a mulch for walkways, flower beds &/or other ground cover uses- composted chips provide an excellent soil amendment when used as part of a total waste composting program).

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