Finding The Perfect Tree

Searching for the perfect Christmas tree is an important family tradition for people all over the world. After all, finding just the right tree made Charlie Brown a hero and gave Clark Griswald a centerpiece for his “good old-fashion family Christmas.”

According to History.com, Germany is credited with starting the tradition of Christmas tree when Christians first brought decorated trees into their homes. Fast forward a few centuries to 1846 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were sketched in a London paper circled around a Christmas tree with their children.  It was then that the Christmas tree became “the thing to do”, not only in Britain but in America as well. By the 1890s Christmas trees were becoming more popular and in the early 20th century with the advent of electricity and an ingenious idea from Thomas Edison’s assistants, Christmas tree lights added to the wonder of the season.

Approximately 77 million Christmas trees are planted each year, and of those about 5,000 are growing close to home.  Kevin Newcom and Mitch McKay are co-owners of Romance Christmas Tree Farm. The farm, which sits on about 12 acres in White County, has been in operation since the late 80s and produces mainly Leyland Cypress trees, ranging between 10 and 12 feet. According to Kevin, Christmas tree production is a very labor-intensive industry.  “Planting begins in March of each year. Once the trees are in the ground, they have to be staked and usually around the end of May they are sprayed with an insecticide and fungicide to prevent tree damage.” On average, each tree takes about 8 minutes a year to maintain, and on a farm with 4,000 trees that’s about 533 hours, or 22 days per year. At normal growth rate of 8 to 12 inches per year, trees are ready to harvest in 4 to 5 years. Romance Christmas Tree Farm is open the day after Thanksgiving and every Thursday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until Christmas. Pictures of the farm and the festive trees can be found on romancechristmastrees.com.

A little closer to home in Saline County is Papa Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm. Located between Benton and Hot Springs on Hwy 70, Paul and Rochelle Warford have 10 acres of Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice and Burki Cedar Christmas trees available for the choosing. Leyland Cypress is a southern favorite, however, because they do not shed, last a longer time than other varieties and are a low allergen tree.

Paul and Rochelle are more involved with Christmas celebrations than most with Paul’s work as Papa Santa throughout the holiday season. “We have always loved Christmas.  When our girls were small, we used to decorate our entire 18 acres with lights, animated characters and sound. My husband started his role as Papa Santa when I needed a Santa for a special needs group I was involved in.  He loved it and found it so rewarding that the next year he did it again. Then word got out and he is now a very busy Papa Santa from Thanksgiving through Christmas visiting most of the schools and daycares in the area,” says Rochelle.

Paul became interested in growing Christmas trees when the family went one year to cut their own tree.  He did some research and the next spring the first crop at Papa Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm was planted.

Papa Santa’s also provides everything needed to cut the tree and delivery is available for large trees. The farm opens the Friday after Thanksgiving 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues to be open the same hours every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. Families can also schedule a time during the weekday to go out and pick the perfect tree. Warford says, “Our goal is for families to have a place to come and create some very special Christmas memories.” Visit Papa Santa’s Facebook page pictures, video and the latest happenings at the farm.

Both Romance Christmas Tree Farm and Papa Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm are members of the Arkansas Christmas Tree Growers Association whose goal is “to provide a quality product and a quality experience for the customers who choose to purchase a fresh, Arkansas produced Christmas tree, wreath or garland.” In keeping with the association’s mission, full service tree cutting is available at both farms.

Selecting the perfect tree to gather around Christmas morning is a crucial part of the holiday season and is as unique as each family. Tall, wide, short, or thin–it’s all up to the individual and according to Kevin Newcom, “The perfect tree only each person knows.”