Take a Family Trip to the Tree Farm

If you are looking to put more meaning and less commercialism in your Christmas, consider a family outing to the Owasso Tree and Berry Farm.

For many, the uncertainty in our country is causing a reevaluation of how they spend their time and money. If you are looking to put more meaning and less commercialism in your Christmas, consider a family outing to the Owasso Tree and Berry Farm. Like chicken soup for a cold, family traditions can be a great comfort and restore a sense of calm.

Bill and Paula Jacobs, owners of the Owasso Tree and Berry Farm, invite you to slow down a bit and enjoy the time-honored tradition of picking a Christmas tree together as a family. It’s amazing what spending a little time out in the fresh air can do for you, especially among the beauty of the farm. You’ll be inspired as you take in the rows of beautifully shaped trees and breathe in the scents of fresh-cut pines and firs, bubbling apple cider and minty candy canes.

Best of all, Bill says that prices on the trees have not risen from last year, and in fact, some have actually dropped. “Trees are graded for quality and are priced accordingly, ranging from $4 to $7 per foot. Sizes vary from 5 to 9 feet. A perfect 6-foot tree is very affordable at about $40, and you just can’t duplicate the look and scent with an artificial tree.”

A hayride to the fields awaits as you arrive at the farm. Visitors can choose from thousands of Virginia pines growing at the farm, as well as pre-cut firs brought in from North Carolina and Oregon. The precut trees arrive in refrigerated trucks and are then kept in a large barn equipped with a sprinkler system to keep them moist and out of the sun and wind. A variety of Douglas, Noble, Grand and Fraser firs are available. If you would like the true old-fashioned experience of cutting down your own tree, the farm will provide a saw. The friendly staff will also be available if you’d rather stand back and let them take care of it.

After your tree is chosen, you can return to the quaint and comfortable atmosphere of the gift shop while your tree is being processed. You can shop for Christmas décor and charming ornaments while your tree is shaken, drilled for a stand and given a square, fresh cut to break the seal. This allows the tree to easily take in water, extremely important in keeping the tree fresh throughout the season. The Owasso Tree and Berry Farm staff will secure the tree to your vehicle for the ride home as well. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take lots of pictures; there are photo opportunities all around the farm to help you remember and cherish your family outing.

New to the farm this year is a large covered tree display area so that the farm is able to stay open regardless of the weather. “Last year’s ice storm knocked out our power, and then our phone lines. This year, we are ready with underground electrical service and backup power,” says Bill. “We are providing a cell number for a backup as well. If it is business hours this season, you’ll know we are here and ready to help you.”

You can feel good that you are helping the environment by using a real tree as well. Trees are a renewable resource, and the Owasso Tree and Berry Farm replants them every year. “We rotate the sales fields and replant at least one tree for every one we harvest,” says Bill. The trees provide a windbreak and prevent soil erosion as they grow and furnish the atmosphere with oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases. “A real tree can be placed outside on a steel post after the Christmas season and provides a great habitat and protection for birds. Many people don’t realize they will stay green until spring when left outside,” adds Paula.

Pre-tagging will be accommodated on the two weekends prior to Thanksgiving, November 15, 16, 22 and 23. The official season opening will be Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. You can pick out your tree and have it reserved and paid for so all you have to do is pick it up when you are ready for it. Christmas hours are Monday through Friday noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact

Owasso Tree and Berry Farm

Business: (918) 272-9445

Cellular: (918) 939-8820

www.owassochristmastreefarm.com