Christmas tree farm opens for the season

This holiday season there are thousands of American servicemen and women who won’t be able to celebrate at home.

In order for the Zwebers to find their flawless Christmas tree, the tree needs specific characteristics. “But that little rain we had two or three days before helped”, Whitney said.

The Carsons are one of those families, receiving a tree in 2010 while Joseph worked in the National Guard.

Hundreds of people showed up at Drysdales Tree Farm near Baxter on Sunday with saws and axes in hand.

“I’m hoping it becomes a tradition where in the years to come at Christmas time and they’ll ask for it and they’ll expect that this is what we do every year”.

For the soldiers and airmen helping out Monday morning, “Trees for Troops” is a way to pay it forward.

He says the problem started in the early 2000s, during another shortage, prices spiked, and growers started planting more trees. Kyle Defeo of the U.S. Air Force.

Sue Ward said the family-run farm sold its first tree in 1989.

“It’s really important to me because my brother’s in the military, and I know how other families feel because they miss them”, he said.

Wiggins says when it comes to growing trees it’s all about maintaining balance, to ensure you have a tree that will last the entire holiday season. Come out to the farm and let your kids be a part of choosing your tree, even if it isn’t flawless.

Buyers we spoke with today, like Thomas Williams, say the slight increase isn’t deterring them from getting in the Christmas spirit. “So you still have a great looking tree, but it doesn’t take up the space”, she said. “Having a real tree in your house versus something that’s just tin and plastic and stands in the corner”, laughed Bauer.

Wiggins says the trees tend to flourish in East Texas weather.

Greene said the industry relies on migrant labor for harvesting and caring for the trees throughout the year. Watering and trimming dead branches should keep your tree fresh through the New Year.