Small Farms

Since I’m a farmer and I raise trees, it seemed only fitting at this time of year to reflect on the fresh vs. artificial tree issue.  I realize of course that some people have allergies and therefore have to buy the artificial trees, but why buy them if you don’t have allergies?  Here are a few of my findings (just for fun, of course).  Feel free to cite your reasons either way in the comments section of my blog!

Reasons to buy fresh trees:

• They smell so good.  Nothing takes you back to your own childhood like the smell of fresh pine trees.
• The cat can climb a real tree easier than an artificial one.
• The dog likes flavored water too!
• No two trees are alike (remember to turn the “funny” side to the wall).
• It just plain looks like a real tree, darn it!

Reasons to buy artificial trees:

• They don’t lose their needles.
• They can be used over and over again.
• Sure, the cat can’t climb them, but the little fur ball can still smack the ornaments off the tree from the bottom.
• The dog is forced to drink from the toilet, once again.
• They come in a wide variety of colors, even fiber optic ones.  Who needs fresh when you can have something like the Fourth of July right in your living room?
• They cost a lot less (usually, if you figure they’re reusable) than a live tree.

So, which do you prefer?  Drop me a line and I’ll share the results on Christmas Eve!

~~Charlotte

Two years ago I began planting various fruit and nut trees on my property in upstate New York.  Many trees did well, while others quickly decided they didn’t like the clay soil and promptly died.  Since I’m not one to give up easily, I’ve continued to search for trees that will do well in my neck of the woods.  One tree that has persevered is the Chinese Chestnut.

As most tree growers know, the American Chestnut was hit with a blight that lasted from 1904 through the mid-1940’s.  Today, it is rare to see chestnut trees anywhere, unless a farmer has taken up the mantle and decided to grow these trees on their property.  Consider me one of the few that have decided this tree is worth propagating.

The first year I planted bare root stock, trees that were about 2-3 feet tall.  At that time, we had an unusually dry summer and constant watering was needed to keep the trees alive.  Then the voles discovered these trees and decided to set up shop under them, burrowing happily around the roots.  Amazingly, I only lost 1 tree.  This past year, the trees rebounded from the previous years bad weather and seemed quite happy with regular watering and a one-time application of fertilizer at the beginning of the summer.  As I always tell my husband, “Hey, as long as it has one leaf, it is worth saving.”

I’m planning on buying a few more of these trees to add to my collection of nut trees since it seems they can withstand extreme draught and harsh winters.  As an added bonus, they should produce chestnuts, which I happen to love.

If you live in the east and have a few acres, consider planting these beautiful trees.  They produce shade, nuts and provide food for wild animals as well.

Learn more about growing Chinese Chestnut trees here:

Delmarvelous Chestnut Farm

Quick Guidelines to Planting Chestnuts

Planting and Growing Chestnuts

If you own just a few small acres, raising Christmas trees may be a fun and profitable small farm project.  All you need is a few acres to plant the trees on.  You can plant up to 1,000 trees per acre, which obviously will give you plenty to work from.  Since people buy different sizes of trees, you can plant a specific number each year to give you some variety when you harvest the trees.

You don’t have to haul your trees into town if you don’t want to.  Many tree farmers either help or allow people to cut down their own trees on the property, making it easier for everyone.  The tree doesn’t cut down trees that may not sell, and the buyer gets to pick exactly the right tree for them.

Planting the trees doesn’t require a lot of skill.  Seedlings may be purchased from tree nurseries that sell them in bulk.  The seeds can then be sown by hand after the area for the trees has been tilled (this is much easier than digging holes in the hard ground for each seedling).

This type of business requires long-term vision.  The trees can take 7-15 years before they’re ready to be harvested.

If you’re interested in learning more about this type of farm, the following resources may help:

Small Farm Christmas Tree Business

Christmas Tree Farmer

Ag Opportunities