ROCKFORD, Mich. — As many people begin to think about their Christmas trees closer to Thanksgiving, Hart Tree Farm in Rockford has been working year-round to ensure the perfect tree for families this holiday season.
The farm, which has been a staple in the community since 1949, is a labor of love, with careful planning and preparation going into each tree long before they’re ready to be displayed.
Tom Hart, who runs the farm today, said that warmer winters are beneficial for the trees.
"The warmer winters are good for the trees," Hart said. "They don't get damaged from winter burn, and if we get a late frost in the spring, sometimes that can damage the new growth."
Hart Tree Farm was started by Tom’s father, who began the business during his offseason from carpentry. Over the years, the farm has grown, and the Hart family continues to carry on the tradition of offering fresh Christmas trees to local families.
The process of growing and caring for the trees is a long and meticulous one. Hart said that it can take 10 to 15 years for a tree to be ready for sale. "We cut them down in the field, usually about a week to 10 days before we open them up," Hart said. "It takes a lot of time to cut the trees, bale them and bring them in. We drill the bottoms with a hole and display them on racks. Then, a couple of days before we open, we let them fall out nicely for display."
Throughout the years, Hart Tree Farm has seen the types of trees grown change with customer preferences. "Probably 90% of the trees here were Scotch pine, which was the dominant variety in the 50s, 60s, and 70s," Hart said. "Then, around the mid-80s, Fraser firs started becoming more popular, along with other varieties."
Michigan ranks third in the nation in the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying around 2 million fresh trees to the national market each year. With such a demand for quality trees, Hart Tree Farm continues to be an essential part of the holiday tradition for many families in the region.
The farm officially opens this Saturday with limited hours, and after Thanksgiving, it will be open seven days a week. Whether you’re looking for a classic Scotch pine or a more modern Fraser fir, Hart Tree Farm is ready to help you find the perfect tree for your holiday celebrations.