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Christmas Tree Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What
types of trees do you have?
Do you use any pesticides on your farm?
How do I care for my fresh Christmas tree?
Do I have to cut my own tree or will you help me?
What tools do I need to bring?
Can I reserve a tree and cut it later?
Do you offer any other Christmas items for sale?
When are you open?
How do I find Buttermilk Farms?
Do
you have a bailing machine to wrap the tree?
What types of trees do you have?
We have two types of trees. We have a large selection of white pines this year, but only a few Norway spruce. We are sold out of blue spruce.White Pine
White pines grow to cutting size in about seven years. They have long, soft needles and have a full look. The needles are very resistant to dropping, so this is a good choice if you plan to keep your tree up for more than two weeks. White pines require a severe pruning every spring to encourage the dense foliage you see on our trees. If white pines are not pruned, they grow up to three feet a year and have large gaps between branches. Each of our trees has been hand-pruned and shaped every year since planting.
Norway Spruce
Norway spruces grow to cutting size in eight to ten years. The needles are short and "prickly." This makes them less "kid friendly," but they have sturdy branches with a more open structure (similar to a fir tree). This makes them more suitable for hanging ornaments on the interior of the branches. The major drawback is that they tend to drop needles as the tree dries out. There are a very few Norway spruces ready to cut. More have been planted but will not be ready for about five years. We have also lost several mature pine trees in the woods around the Christmas tree field from the infestation of pine bark beetles. This has not affected the Christmas trees yet, but if we have another mild winter, the beetles may decide to move into the smaller trees.
Our trees are organically grown.
We never use any insecticides or herbicides, so you don't have to worry about adverse effects to your family. But this may result in a tree that will have a shape that is not perfect, or you may find a preying mantis egg mass in the tree. (Be sure and look over your tree for these eggs. They are about the size and color of a walnut). If the eggs hatch in your house, your kids will love the science lesson, but you will have thousands of baby preying mantises in your house.
Do you use any pesticides on the farm?
We do not use any pesticides or artificial color on the trees or anywhere on the farm. All of our trees are organically grown.
How do I care for my fresh Christmas tree?
Caring for your tree is easy and with proper watering it should last through the Christmas season. When you arrive home with your tree, shake it well to remove any loose needles and immediately put it into water. Then just before you place it in your tree stand, cut off another inch from the bottom. Then place it in your tree stand. Water it and add some Sprite or 7Up. We recommend checking the water level of your tree each day and supplementing the watering with some Sprite or 7Up. The sugar in these drinks will help the tree to last longer.
Do I have to cut my own tree or will you help me?
We will help you cut your tree and we will even cut it for you. No need to worry. We are here to help you in any way we can.
What tools do I need to bring?
There is no need to bring any tools! We can provide you with all the tools necessary to cut down your tree. If you want to bring your own tools, please bring a tree saw. (Sorry no chain saws permitted.)
You may want to bring gloves and rope.
Do you offer any other Christmas items for sale?
Yes. We offer wreaths and roping. All are made on the Farm and pricing will be available when you arrive. Also, we have tree stands.
When are you open?
Hours of Operation:
Saturday: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. By Appointment
Sundays: Closed
How do I find Buttermilk Farms?
Take I-40 exit 364 (Melton Hill Dam). Turn north toward Oak Ridge; take first right. (There is a large sign for Buttermilk Farms). Follow small Christmas tree signs to the tree farm which will be on the right (look for the Santa flag).
Do you have a bailing machine to wrap the tree?
No, we do not have bailing machine. Please bring rope or twine to tie your tree.
Get Christmas tips and hints at PickYourOwn.org
Click here for Christmas traditions around the world.
Click here for the history of the Christmas tree.