Tree Care & FAQs
When do you open for the 2023 Christmas Season?
We are open for the 2023 Christmas season starting November 18th, 2023 from 9am to 4pm. From November 18th to November 30th we are open 9am to 4pm. Starting December 1st, we will be open from 9am to 7pm everyday until December 23rd. On Christmas Eve, we are closed. Because our fields are not lit, our U-Cut fields are open from 9am to 4pm every day.
What precautions will be taken to prevent COVID-19?
We ask that customers maintain social distancing while on the farm. Face masks are not mandatory at this time. We will have hand sanitizer available for use. Our store, also known as Santa’s Workshop, will be configured to allow our customers to maintain social distancing. If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you refrain from visiting the farm and contact your Doctor or Healthlink BC for testing consideration.
What should I bring?
We supply hand saws for cutting down your own tree as well as twine for securing it to your vehicle. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear appropriate shoes or boots. Don’t forget to bring a camera to make the most of your tree-hunting adventure.
What kind of trees do you sell?
We sell both U-Cut and Farm Fresh Pre-Cut trees. We have up to 15 different varieties of Christmas trees to choose from. Some of the varieties available include: Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Korean Fir, Turkish Fir, Alpine Fir, Concolor Fir, Western and Eastern White Pine, Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, Norwegian Spruce, Colorado Blue and Green Spruce, Interior Douglas Fir and Island Naturals.
Are your fields lit in the afternoon and evening?
No, our fields are not lit. For this reason, our U-Cut fields are open from 9am to 4pm everyday starting November 18th, 2023 until December 23rd.
How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?
On average it takes 8-10 years for a tree to grow from a seedling to an approximate size of 8 feet. Some varieties grow slower and can take upwards of 15-20 years to reach the same height.
Is it good for the environment to buy a real Christmas tree?
Christmas trees are intentionally grown for your enjoyment and are a renewable resource. Tree farms help control soil erosion and provide year-round homes for wildlife. Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases, emitting fresh oxygen into the atmosphere. A tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years of age. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead. They are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, meaning they will sit in a landfill for centuries after disposal.
What if I find a bird’s nest in my Christmas tree?
According to an old German legend, if you find a bird’s nest in your Christmas tree, you and your family will experience health, wealth and happiness in the coming year.
What is involved with cutting down a tree? What is Stump Culture?
Did you know you can cut down a tree without killing it? Most people do not realize this. When cutting down your tree, instead of cutting the tree down near the ground, we ask you to leave the bottom two layers of branches below where you saw your tree. These branches keep the tree’s root system alive while it develops a new shoot. With it’s root system already fully developed, this new tree shoot will grow into a new Christmas tree in half the time it would take to grow from a seedling. This sustainable and yet rarely practiced way of growing Christmas trees is known as Stump Culture. Stump Culture allows trees to produce continuously for many years. We have been practicing and teaching Stump culture on our farm since we first began in 1981.
How much are your trees?
Our U-Cut trees in the fields are priced per foot. Pre-Cut trees are individually priced according to species, size, and quality. Our trees range in size from 2 to 15 feet in height and are priced per foot, in 2023 between $8-15/foot.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept Cash, Debit, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Do you sell tall trees, like 20’ tall?
Yes we do, but please call ahead as this is a special order.
Do you have a minimum size for U-CUT trees?
Yes, this year in our fields, no tree under 6 feet in height can be cut.
Do you sell live trees?
We do have some small-sized potted trees available for sale. These range from small seedlings to 3-feet in height and are intended to be planted. We do not sell full-size potted trees.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. We ask that you please pick up after your pet. Thank you!
How do I tell the difference between the types of trees you grow?
We have signs identifying the different tree types throughout the farm. In addition, feel free to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have.
What should I do if I don't want to set up my tree right away?
Leaving your tree in a bucket of water either outside or in a garage is best. If your tree has been out of water for longer than 15 to 20 minutes since cut, we recommend you give your tree a 1/2 inch fresh cut before putting it into water. Tree sap can seal over the base in as little as 15 minutes preventing your tree from absorbing the water it needs.
How often should I water my tree?
Checking the water level and filling the stand with new water on a daily basis may be necessary in the first week of having the tree inside. After the first week you may notice the tree absorbs less water. Our motto is “A litre of water a day keeps the vacuum away”.
Should I put anything in the water for my tree?
A litre of water a day keeps the vacuum away! We have found that regular tap water works best and is all a tree needs to last for the holiday season. Additives are unnecessary and may block the absorption ability of a fresh cut tree.
How long will my tree last?
Depending on the type of tree, the temperature in your home and tree care given, your tree can last anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Fraser Fir and Noble Fir last the longest and have excellent needle retention. Some of our customers have reported keeping their trees decorated well into the New Year.
What should I do with my tree after Christmas?
Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource and can be recycled into wood chips and garden mulch. Contact the Lion’s Club for information regarding tree chipping by donation.