How to Buy a Christmas Tree Farm

The tradition of Christmas trees began in the 7th Century. The triangle shape of the fir tree was used to explain the Holy Trinity by a monk. The first Christmas tree was believed to be decorated in 1510. It is recorded that Martin Luther in the 16th Century placed candles on a Christmas tree in order to show his children the brightness of stars on a dark night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Ask at your local corner store where to get the best Christmas tree in your area. If you are new to the area, this is a sure way to find a tree farm you like.
2. Explain to your children the special love and fun that can be had at a Christmas tree farm. Tell them that life on a Christmas tree farm is an event every day, with sleigh rides, cider, holiday cookies and candies.
3. Choose a Christmas tree farm by visual delight. You will know it when you see it. Remember, any type of farming is a way of life. You will spend much of your time explaining to customers about types of Christmas trees and how to take care of the tree once they get it home.
4. Create a business plan with people who have specific areas of knowledge--they will become your advisory board. Their knowledge will be key in your ability to finance the purchase of your Christmas tree farm.
5. Investigate the property of the Christmas tree farm you want to buy. Look the grounds and trees all over for greenness of the land, holes where branches didn't grow, fragrance and pliable needles. You want healthy trees, rich farm land and many starter trees that have already been planted.
6. Flaunt your Christmas tree farm to the community. Ask merchants if you can decorate their store windows with your Christmas trees and ornaments. Sell your unique ability to select the perfect Christmas tree for any family.
7. Let your community know just how special the Christmas tree farm is to your family. Share the love of your Christmas tree farm with your bankers, your advisory board and all your customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn about cutting the bottom of a Christmas tree so that it will absorb liquid faster.
• Learn about the climate your Christmas tree farm is located. The ability to acclimate a tree is a large part of customer satisfaction.
• Learn how to measure accurately—know that a Christmas tree will look smaller outside than it does inside.
• Learn how to help customers pick a tree that fits properly in their home.
• Tell customers not to set a Christmas tree near heat vents, wood stoves or fireplaces.
• Provide a high quality tree stand that will comfortably hold the weight of a Christmas tree, so that you are one-stop shop.