Don’t Get Your Tinsel In a Tangle

Story by Anne Braly

Decorating the Christmas tree is a beloved holiday tradition, but before you can hang the ornaments, take photos of the grandkids beneath those resplendent boughs or open presents beside it, you’ve got to find one.

Visiting a Christmas tree farm can put you in the spirit of the season as you make family memories while supporting a local business. And you’ll bring home the absolute freshest trees, wreaths and greenery, so everything will last much longer. The fact that Texas isn’t overloaded with tree farms makes a trip to a farm to cut down your own tree all the more special for families, says Doug Hingst, owner of Pipe Creek Christmas Trees, who, along with his father, Jim, opened their farm to the public in 1991 after Jim retired. “He was looking for something to do after he retired from the oil business and bought the farm from a friend who had the idea of starting a tree farm. My father took it from there,” Doug says.

Tree varieties at places like Pipe Creek Christmas Trees may include Afghan pines and Leyland cypress. Precut Fraser firs are also often available. Photo courtesy of Pipe Creek Tree Farm

Now, the father-son duo grow 2 types of trees: Leyland cypress and Afghan pines, both of which grow well in the hot, Texas climate. Doug opens the gates the Monday before Thanksgiving. “People are getting their trees earlier these days,” he says, adding that this practice may be trending because people want to extend the holiday season and enjoy their trees for a longer period of time.

Pipe Creek Christmas Trees is a 10-acre farm. It’s a long hike when hunting for the perfect tree. That’s why taking a hayride out into the fields is a popular option for families.

“We see so many of the same people year after year,” Doug says. “And now, we’re seeing three generations — people who came as kids are now bringing their own children. People are always happy when they come here. They always come with a smile on their faces.”

Tree Farms Around the Lone Star State

Here are some farms around Texas that provide all you need to cut your own Christmas tree and create or continue a favorite family tradition. A word to the wise: Get your tree early in the season to get your pick of the best.

Evergreen Farms, Elgin — After cutting the perfect tree, visit the concession stand for hot chocolate and snacks. Pick up fixings for s’mores, and then roast your marshmallows by the campfire. Tree varieties include Leyland cypress, Virginia pine and Arizona cypress. Fraser firs and noble firs are precut and brought in from other states. Learn more on the Evergreen Farms website.

Seiler Christmas Tree Farm, Seguin — Playground and candy canes for the kids, snacks for all. Take home a live wreath for your front door, too. Tree varieties include Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Virginia and Loblolly pines. Learn more on the Seiler Christmas Tree Farm website.

High Star Christmas Tree Farm, Hockley — A barn filled with premade and made-to-order wreaths. Ride on the Merry Tree Express Train, and bring your own marshmallows and hot dogs to cook over the campfire — roasting sticks provided. There are also hay rides and more fun for the whole family. Tree varieties include Virginia pine, plus precut Fraser and balsam firs. Details on the High Star Christmas Tree Farm website.

3 children holding a cut down Christmas tree at a tree farm — Photo courtesy of Pipe Creek Tree Farm

Elgin Christmas Trees, Elgin — Take a hayride around the farm to pick out the perfect tree. Tag it, cut it and someone else will haul it for you. Kids will enjoy the farm animals. Shop the Christmas Cottage for a wide variety of holiday crafts. Tree varieties include Virginia pine and Leyland cypress. Learn more on the Elgin Christmas Trees website.

Pipe Creek Christmas Trees, Pipe Creek — Hayrides on the weekend, and fresh wreaths for sale, too. Tree varieties include Afghan pines and Leyland cypress. Precut Fraser firs are also available. Learn more on the Pipe Creek Christmas Trees website.

Lee County Christmas Trees, Lincoln — Play area for the kids, along with hayrides, hot chocolate and a farm shop filled with ornaments and decorations. Tree varieties include Carolina Sapphire, Virginia pine and Murray cypress. Online on the Lee County Christmas Tree website.

Keeping Your Tree Fresh

A newly cut Christmas tree is going to be fresher than one that’s been sitting on a lot for a while, but it still needs some TLC to last through the holiday season. Here are some tips to make that happen.

Start with a healthy, vibrant tree. Be sure to trim any lower limbs or dead branches.
Give the tree a clean, straight cut across the bottom. Most tree farms will do this for you, as well as drill a hole in the bottom if you have the kind of tree stand that needs one.
It can’t be said enough: water, water, water. Get the tree in water as soon as you come home, and continue to water it daily.
Keep the tree cool and away from any heat source that will dry it out.
Use LED lights. They don’t get as hot, though they won’t give the traditional light you may desire.
When the holidays are over, recycle your Christmas tree in the garden, woods or an area pond. Many towns offer a service to turn Christmas trees into mulch to be used around town.