CHRISTMAS TREES
2009 marks our 63nd anniversary of growing Christmas trees! The Jaynes family planted their first Christmas trees in 1947 as part of a 4-H project. We have over 25 acres of trees at two Hamden locations: 13 Broken Arrow Road and 680 Evergreen Avenue. Plan on visiting our Broken Arrow Road site for the best selection of trees in 2009; besides a wide selection of firs, we have tall spruce and white pine up to 15'.680 Evergreen has a nice selection of white pines. However, if you don't want to choose and cut a tree from the fields, both sites will be offering a large selection of premium pre-cut fraser firs. We are also well known for our hand-made wreaths crafted from unusual and traditional greens, such as holly and winterberry. Wreaths range in size from 12 to 48 inches and may be customized to order. In addition, Christmas tree stands are available in a variety of sizes.
We open the Friday after Thanksgiving. The price of all field trees over 6 feet is $49 (tax included).
Tree Species: Customer preference and local growing conditions determine the tree species grown. We have tried more than a dozen species and now grow the following (plus some specialty trees such as concolor fir):
White Pine |
long, soft needle; excellent retention. |
Balsam Fir & Fraser Fir |
short needle, stiff but not sharp; fragrant; excellent retention. |
Douglas Fir |
intermediate needle length, soft; excellent retention. |
Colorado (Blue) Spruce |
stiff, formal tree; decorates well; sharp needle; best retention of the spruces. |
White Spruce |
short needles, not as prickly as blue spruce; needle retention not as good as other species. |
Tree Farming: Growing Christmas trees is much like growing other crops except that the cycle from sowing seed to tree harvest is longer, usually 8 to 12 years. We buy 2-year old seedlings that are typically 6 to 12 inches tall. These are planted close together in transplant beds to grow for 2 more years, where they are mulched, fertilized and watered. The husky transplants, usually 10 to 20 inches tall, are then planted in the field. Weeds around the base of the trees are controlled by herbicides, aisles are mowed, and, once the trees are waist high, they are pruned annually. As with all plants, insect and disease problems are a continuing threat, so spraying of the affected trees is done when necessary.
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