Finding the perfect tree for the holiday season
Outside factors may have squeezed the supply, but there are still plenty of trees to find.
T&S Christmas tree Farm near Hawarden is ready to open for the season as folks turn their eyes toward the quickly approaching holiday season.
For many the first item on the checklist is picking up the perfect live tree to anchor their Christmas decorations.
Starting on Saturday, Nov. 19 they can check out the possibilities at T & S, where they will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, as well as 1-5 p.m. the rest of the days of the week. They will be closed for Thanksgiving.
That allows for plenty of time to search through the firs and pines for the perfect one to cut down and take home.
“We do provide saws or people can bring their own if they want and you can absolutely go to the field, choose and cut your own down,” said Robin Miller, who co-owns the farm with her brother. “I also always remind people to dress warm — it’s always colder and windier out in the country!”
On the farm there are Fraser, canaan, and balsam firs, as well as Scotch and white pine and some spruces.
“The most popular we have right now are the firs,” Miller said. “They’re a little more high-dollar because they take longer to grow and last longer in the house. The pines are lighter and easier to handle.”
Miller noted that due to a nationwide shortage she wasn’t able to order the larger trees she typically gets and that with the dry weather the length of time trees hold their needles inside may not be as long as normal.
In addition to finding a tree, visitors can go on tractor rides on the weekends. There will be cookies and cider available.
Miller also makes over 600 wreaths and assorted Christmas greenery each year, so customers can find everything they might need.
“We also do tree and wreath flocking — the white snowy stuff — and will have some of those ready, or they can pick something out and have us do it for them, which usually takes about a week,” Miller said. Even though they’re only open for a short window of time, the work is year-round, and Miller said she loves seeing familiar faces visit the farm each year around this time.
Happy faces, full of Christmas cheer, ready to spark the holiday season with the perfect tree.