Christmas Trees: Best tree year in 20 years at Farmer Brown’s

Published 3:54 pm Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Local families may be giving up a few luxuries this Christmas, but there is one thing they won’t be giving up: their Christmas tree. For the last 20 years, one of the most popular places to cut or dig a live tree has been Farmer Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm in Arlington.

According to Farmer Bill Brown, because of the heavy snow and impassable roads last year, fewer visitors were able to drive into the semi-rural farm. That means there are more trees carried over to this year, including some really impressive specimens that got an extra year of lush growth.

Because trees are priced by the one of two areas from which they are cut, rather than by size or species, this promises great value.

“We’ve been in business for 20 years and we feel that this is the biggest and best crop that we’ve ever grown,” Brown said. “There are bigger trees and more selection than we’ve ever had.”

What makes this particular tree farm a favorite with families is that it is unique. This isn’t a standard tree farm laid out in straight rows on flat land. Farmer Brown’s has been made to look natural. Generous wildlife areas have been left around the farm.  An attractive and inviting road provides access to the trees. It’s the closest thing you can get to going up in the mountains and cutting a wild tree, except it’s a lot easier. There’s no need to apply for permits. It’s better for the environment because Brown replants the trees that are taken and, better still, it’s close to home.

Another plus about this natural-setting farm is that there’s no need to hike for miles and miles to find the perfect tree. Visitors drive in. When a likely tree is spotted, they can park the car and continue the hunt on foot. That’s a big plus for those who aren’t able to walk a long way or for days when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Species on site include Noble fir, Fraser fir, Grand fir and Douglas fir, as well as Norway spruce and Colorado blue spruce. Some pines are also available.

It isn’t easy to grow trees in a natural setting like this. Other experts have shaken their heads at Bill and Lila Brown for all the trouble they take to cultivate the natural terrain when it would have been easier just to buy an old strawberry field and do it on the flat. But when the Browns see the enjoyment visitors get, it makes it all worthwhile.

After the tree is cut or dug, visitors can enjoy coffee, cocoa, cider hot dogs or Kettle Korn from vendors. There are picnic tables for relaxing and fun things for kids to look at. Flocking service is also available.

If you see Farmer Brown at his onsite home, be sure to wave. He is retired now, but still loves to see visitors having fun and getting ready for the holidays.

Farmer Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm is located just south of Arlington off Highway 9. It is open Friday through Monday through Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to dusk. For more information or to print a map, see www.brownxtree.com. You can also call (360) 659-6686. Pets are welcome on leashes.