Choosing a real Christmas tree offers more than just a refreshing pine scent. It supports the environment and local farmers.

While selecting the perfect Christmas tree may have its challenges, growing the perfect tree is very labor intensive. Tree farming is a year-round commitment for businesses that are open to the public for only a couple weeks each year.

Like other crops, Christmas trees can be impacted by the weather. The prime growing season is early in the spring (April-May) where rain is very beneficial before they go dormant in the fall. 

“Many may not realize, but most of the work happens from the spring throughout the summer. From planting to fertilizing to trimming each tree into the traditional Christmas tree shape, tree farming is a year-long endeavor,” said Andy Flickinger, co-owner of Flickinger Farms just west of Wakarusa in Elkhart County.

Christmas tree drought mortality rates vary but can reach up to 90%. Young trees suffer the most damage from extreme heat and dryness – especially species such as white pine that are very shallow rooted.

“The trees that suffer when we get extended drought are the trees we planted in the spring. So once a tree is typically past its initial first year, you can start fertilizing and they get really established,” said Trees From DeHart owner Steve DeHart. “With older trees, typically once they get past year two or three, they're rooted deep enough that the droughts don't really affect them.”

Trees From DeHart has approximately 14,000 trees planted on their 11-acre farm in Franklin. DeHart said they are currently paying the price for bad weather that impacted plantings six or seven years ago.

“We had a really bad year. We just don't have enough 7- to 8-foot trees this year to let people cut,” he said. Instead they’ll offer fresh pre-cut Fraser fir trees. “They're guaranteed to be cut after Nov. 1, so they're going to be extremely fresh. Next year, we will resume normal cutting and typically we're around 1,200 to 1,300 trees a year.”

Tree farms offer more than just trees – they provide holiday experiences for families.

“We offer hayrides, free hot chocolate, a campfire and plenty of room to roam. Besides trees, we offer fresh-made wreaths, garland, and other Christmas accessories,” Flickinger said. “New this year, we will have custom-made candles that have scents of the season along with nostalgic nods to the farm’s history.”

Trees From DeHart also offers hayrides, and their activities include a tractor ride out to the trees, a children’s play area, wreaths made by his wife, Julie, and hot chocolate and coffee for sale. DeHart said crowd favorites are two different picture-taking opportunities, including a sign called “Watch Me Grow.”

“When parents bring their kids out, they can see how much they’ve grown every year,” he said.

Those interested in a real tree should not wait as inventory moves fast.

“We officially open the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) and that weekend is our busiest time. We will sell 50% of our trees those first two days we are open,” Flickinger said.

This year, Trees From DeHart will open its season on Nov. 22.