A visit to Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park has become a Christmas tradition for families throughout the far western suburbs. (Photo courtesy of Kuipers Family Farm

One of the great things about traditions is that they can be born out of anything, at any time, by anybody.

There’s no right and wrong in the creation phase, and there’s no quota.

And sometimes, you don’t even realize “it” has morphed into a tradition until someone else points it out. (Think Grandma’s hot milk sponge cake for every birthday or the 20-some-year-old “Happy Thanksgiving” sign that still kicks off every turkey feast at Mom and Dad’s house.)

Christmas is full of these traditions that warm the heart, make misty the eyes and elicit chuckles—or, maybe those are groans?—but, hands down, no single piece of winter holiday décor is as primed for debate as the Christmas tree.

Is it real?

Did it come with those lights?

Did you know that the bald spot is in front?

Are you waiting for the post-Christmas sales to stock up on nice ornaments?

The struggle is real when it comes to mastering the Christmas tree, and the hardest decision is the first: real or fake?

So, You Want to Cut Your Own?

For those going the fake route, any big-box store will do, but the appeal of starting a family tradition with a trip to the local tree farm is an enticing alternative to the season’s pervasive Black Friday mentality for many families.

Williams Tree Farm in Rockton has been a Christmas holiday destination for families for many years. The farm has been family owned and operated for more than 60 years. (Photo courtesy Williams Tree Farm)

In fact, U.S. consumers bought 26.3 million farm-grown Christmas trees in 2014, according to an annual National Christmas Tree Association/Harris Interactive poll, while only 13.9 million fake trees were purchased.

“People really are looking to start family traditions at the holidays that actually are centered around the holidays,” said Kim Kuipers, who owns Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, Ill., with her husband, Wade.

Families come with crazy hats or matching sweatshirts, she said: “You can just tell they’re going to go out and take a photo and try to work it into a Christmas card. It’s fun to watch everyone’s spin on getting their family tree,” Kuipers said.

The prospect of literally cutting down a tree with an axe, lugging it back to the staging area and tying it to the car is daunting for a novice Christmas tree farm goer, to say the least.
But your local Christmas tree farms are full of helpers. Here’s what they think you should know before your first visit.

Before buying a fresh Christmas tree, people need to know there are several different kinds of firs, spruces and pines from which to choose. Kuipers Farm gives visitors a chance to view some of the varieties it offers.(Photo courtesy of Kuipers Family Farm

1. Measure twice to avoid the dreaded ‘I told you that it was too tall.’ “The tree looks much littler in the field than when you get it home,” said Karen Williams, co-owner of Williams Tree Farm in Rockton. “Have a tape measure or a stick or any measuring reference—even your hands—for when you get out in the field.”

2. There’s more than one kind of tree. Local tree farms all offer a variety of firs, spruces and pines, but the most popular tree is the Fraser fir: “It’s a really soft tree and it’s easy to decorate,” Kuipers said. “The branches will hold a heavy ornament.” But Theresa Michaelis, co-owner of Bentz Road Farm just over the Wisconsin border,  points out that people’s preferences all depend on what they grew up with.
3. You don’t need to bring your tools. Your community’s tree farm has all the necessary tools that you’ll need to chop down and transport your family’s tree.
4. No need to fear stowaways. For those with visions of that stowaway squirrel from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, there’s no need to fear. “Once you start handling the tree, the chances of actually taking something home is pretty minimal,” Williams said.
5. There’s more at the Christmas tree farm than trees. Bentz Road Farm sells handmade wreaths, kissing balls and centerpieces. Kuipers has its famous apple cider donuts available in its market area, alongside seasonal handmade crafts and treats.

Bill and Alice Howenstine, co-owners of Pioneer Tree Farm in Rockton, take a walk through their grounds. Ten percent of tree sales is donated to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, and most of the workers are volunteers from the Defenders. (Photo courtesy Pioneer Tree Farm)

Pioneer Tree Farm in McHenry and Williams Tree Farm have similar market areas offering free hot cocoa and coffee, and a children’s farm, respectively. And don’t forget to swing by Santa, as he splits his time between the local tree farms.

6. Pickup trucks make everything easier. There’s just no easier way to transport a fresh Christmas tree, Kuipers said.
7. Don’t forget the water. Don’t declare victory when you arrive home still in possession of your tree: You’ve got to keep this thing alive for a while.

As long as you keep it watered and cool, away from drying heat sources, “a tree will last till New Year’s Day no matter when you cut it,” said Bill Howenstine, who co-owns Pioneer Tree Farm with his wife Alice.

Kuipers suggests putting a five-gallon bucket of water in your garage before leaving to harvest a tree, so when you get home, you can put it in the bucket for the first 24-48 hours and refill as needed.

8. It isn’t about the money. Michaelis knew her family’s venture into Christmas tree farming had legs when she thought about the economics of the tradition.

“[Our farm] had to come up with something that everybody could do. And I thought of Christmas trees because even though we were on a limited budget, we still bought a fresh tree. That’s something that I saved for. And I thought that if I did that, there’s got to be a lot of people that did that, too.”

Co-owners of the Williams Tree Farm in Rockton (front) Karen William, Don Williams, Ron Williams (back) and Laura Williams Bode standing next to Ron. (Photo courtesy Williams Tree Farm)

Buying a fresh tree is appealing because it’s not a singular activity that is forgotten after the purchase. After picking a tree, families decorate it, care for it, play with a nativity scene under it, etc.

9. Check with county officials about your area’s Christmas tree recycling program. Or, consider what the Howenstines do after Christmas is over: “We put it up outside for the birds,” Alice Howenstine explained, adorning it with popcorn and cranberry strings.
10. If all else fails, you can buy a freshly cut tree. Most tree farms will help you cut the tree you want, or you can buy a freshly cut tree: All the authenticity of a fresh tree without the sore back.
11. There’s no stopping a family tradition. “You’ll have everything from grandparents bringing the little ones to parents with their teenagers,” Michaelis said. “People have been coming literally for 25 years, and now are bringing their grandkids. And [adults who came as kids] are now coming with their babies and starting their own tradition.”

CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS TO CHECK OUT;

Kuipers Family Farm – Maple Park

http://www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com/christmas-trees.htm

The Abbey Farms at Marmion Academy – Aurora

https://abbeyfarms.org/christmas-trees/

Ziegler’s Tree Farm – Elgin

http://www.zieglerchristmastreefarm.com/

Indian Creek Christmas Farm – Leland

http://www.indiancreekchristmastreefarm.com/

Anderson Tree Farm – Plainfield

http://www.visitandersontreefarm.com/

Pioneer Tree Farm – McHenry

http://www.pioneertreefarm.com/

Richardson Farm – Spring Grove

http://www.richardsonadventurefarm.com/

Williams Tree Farm

http://www.williamstreefarm.com/

http://www.williamstreefarm.com/

Bentz Road Farm – Pleasant Prairie, Wisc.

http://www.bentzroadfarm.com/

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— Finding a fresh-cut Christmas tree all about tradition —