6:07:20 PM

The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia

9/10/2010

Oh Christmas Tree...

Make getting a Christmas tree an event

   If you haven't gotten your Christmas tree yet, consider one of the “Choose and Cut” tree farms, or one of the farms in the area which offer farm tours or additional "agritainment" to make the experience an event.

   Sure you can just run down to one of the big stores, or seasonal places on the roadside which set-up to sell trees.
But why not make a day of it?

   How about taking a hayride out into the fields to pick your own tree, followed by a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider?
Maybe a trip to see Santa for the kids.

   Several farms in the area offer such activities.

   Although there may be others, we are aware of two "Choose and Cut" tree farms actually in Southside proper.

   We have personally gotten trees at both of these places over the years and they are well run and fun to visit.

   Don and Jennifer Hochstein's "Pick-A-Pine Plantation" in Halifax County.

Pick-A-Pine Plantation
1185 Deer Ridge Trail
South Boston, VA 24592
434-476-8771

Ayers & Kreh Christmas Tree Farm in Patrick County
Ayers Orchard Rd.
Stuart, VA 24171
Phone: 276-694-3072

   Although their trees are pre-cut, Owen Farms in Danville offers some fun options.

   On their website they suggest a hayride to see Santa in his "little cabin" on the hill. Or "stand by the fire and keep warm or roast a hotdog or marshmallow over the open firepit."

Owen Farm Tours
1668 Silver Creek Road
Danville, Virginia 24540
434-685-4123
434-728-3410
434-728-2698
info@owenfarmtours.com

   If none of these is near you, you can check for one on the following sites.

Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Farm WebPages

Search for a tree farm at:

Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Farm Locator

Or

www.PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org

   Both websites offer some tips to make your experience more enjoyable.

   The Pick Your Own website suggests:
   "Please, ALWAYS call the farm or store BEFORE YOU GO to confirm their supply, their hours and whether they are allowing choose-and-cut or just precut trees. All three can change during the short Christmas season, due to weather, demand and the farmer's business conditions!"

   Once you get your tree home,

   William McCaleb from the Virginia Cooperative Extension offers the following tips.

   When you bring your Christmas tree home make a fresh cut 2 inches up the trunk. Place the tree in a bucket of water for 2-3 days and make another fresh cut in the trunk when you bring it indoors. Continue to water while the tree is in the house.

   When the tree is discarded, consider decorating it for the birds. Prop tree upright and hang with suet, seed containers, and pinecones spread with peanut butter. The alternative is to cut branches from a discarded Christmas tree and lay over bulb or perennial beds, which protects your plantings from heaving in the cold weather.

   Special Thanks to:

K. Jason Fisher
Extension Agent/ANR
Forestry and Natural Resources
Central District
P.O. Box 757
Halifax, VA 24558

William H. McCaleb
Program Assistant, ANR
Master Gardener Coordinator
Virginia Cooperative Extension
171 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 757
Halifax, VA 24558-0757

   for their help in researching this article.