Inside the business of Christmas trees
For some, Christmas tree farms are magical places. But that magic comes from effort, patience and luck, according to local farmers.
Roland Tokarski, owner of Ski Christmas Tree Farm in Sarver, said he's not surprised to hear from customers that some farms are struggling to stay in business.
“I've heard some farms have run out of trees,” he said. “Some of the people come up to us and tell us that some other farms have shut down or are out of business.”
Tokarski said it's a tough business, especially when a farm is just starting out. He said he would not recommend tree farming to anyone with plans to make it their only source of income.
“It's going to take eight years before you make a dime,” he said.
Marsha Renick, owner of Renick's Tree Farm in West Sunbury, said she's been lucky too, having no issues so far in this year's yield. But, she knows the risks of the industry too, and she has also heard of issues with some other farmers this year.
“There is a tree shortage,” Marsha Renick said. “Drought, too much rain and late frost can really hurt.”
But, Renick said a tree farmer needs to have a strong business sense and a good personality to bring in repeat customers each season.
A full story appears in Wednesday's Butler Eagle.
