Remember those Christmas movies where families pick out the perfect pine tree for their festive celebrations with snow around them and jackets, beanies and gloves on to protect them from the elements?
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It has become an iconic image of Christmas in the northern hemisphere and now Maitlanders can enjoy the same thing – minus the snow and the winter wardrobe.
East Maitland is home to a Christmas tree farm that is brimming with pine trees to celebrate this special time of year.
And if Santa gets confused on Christmas Eve as he passes over the Dennis’ farm on Morpeth Road, farmer Matthew Dennis and his son Aiden might end up with more presents than they anticipated.
The trees sell for $60 each and families can cut their tree down themselves – if they are the traditional kind – or they can watch the Dennis’ do it with a swipe of the chainsaw.
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“The trees are really popular, a lot of people around here want a real tree in their homes and they enjoy the smell of the pine tree,” Matthew said.
“The trees will last for around three weeks if they are cared for and given water to help keep them going.
“We still have a lot of nice trees left if anyone is looking for that traditional touch to their Christmas celebration.”
So how do you pick the perfect pine tree?
Well the Dennis’ say there is no perfect strategy, but after years of watching families choose theirs they have a few tips.
“Firstly, think about the space where the tree will go. All of the trees are different shapes and sizes so pick one that will fit comfortably in the space,” Matthew said.
Families have been scooping up their tree since early December.
Eight customers braved Thursday’s 40-degree heat to choose and take home their perfect tree.
Some people walk up every row and look at every tree, and then there are others who just walk up one row and pick one,
- Aiden Dennis said
“Sometimes people can spend 20 minutes picking out their tree, or even a bit longer,” Matthew added.
The trees take a backseat during the rest of the year when making hay and growing a wide range of vegetables for the Slow Food Earth Market in The Levee, and some for the wholesale markets, is their focus.
For more details phone Matthew on 0412926200.