Benrud Tree Farm

Each year, at Thanksgiving time, we all go out to the property to chop down our little Charlie Brown-like Christmas trees. We cut them from the area under the power lines. A lot of those trees get cut down anyway if they grow too large. So, we pack up the kids, the grandparents, the dogs and we hit the trail. Benruds believe that that best Christmas trees are the ones you pick yourself. They aren't perfectly shaped, they don't have full, even branches, but they are real. And they represent the hope the perseveres--it's the green hope in the middle of a gray winter.

Here's some background from the National Christmas tree society. We're cutting edge!

(Q) I can't seem to find the tree that I want. It is often referred to as a Charlie Brown Tree because of its sparse look with short needles. I love these trees and don't know what they are or who might have one for sale.

(A) The sparse look is dependent somewhat upon the genetics of the tree, but mostly through the shearing practices of the grower. The more open, less dense look is starting to become more popular among consumers, so the Christmas Tree farmers will be working to meet that demand; however, the average tree takes 7 to 10 years to get to 6 or 7 feet high and the majority of consumers still want a full, thick tree. Check with farms in your area and ask them if they have a "less sheared" tree or one that "would be graded a cull". The grower will understand what you are looking for.