December is the happiest time of year for Bob Colavita. The owner of Colavita Tree Farm (now in its 24th year!), says that witnessing the excitement of families selecting the perfect tree, never gets old. “Most people are really happy to be here. They bring their children and spend a lot of time making their decision. We have many repeat customers who have been coming here for years. Some bring us cookies, some bring soup…it’s really wonderful.” Bob admits that for many families, agreeing on a tree is not always a walk in the park, or in this case, the farm. “Everyone has very specific ideas about what they want. Usually people want the kind of tree they remember from their childhood, and sometimes couples clash about which tree they should buy. It can get interesting!”, he laughs..
On a recent visit to Colavita Farm, Bob offered us a bit of expert advice on selecting and preserving fresh cut trees:
Which type of tree is best for your family? There are obviously many factors to consider when selecting the type of tree that is best for your home. Aesthetics, practical considerations and cost all play a role.
Fir trees are considered the most fragrant, and have excellent needle retention and strong branches. Grand Fir and Concolor Fir trees, in particular, are known for their signature “old timey” citrus scent and are among the most popular trees available, along with Balsam and Fraser Firs.
Spruce trees also have strong needles and branches, making them an ideal choice if you have a lot of heavy ornaments. Spruce trees are a good choice if you have pets or small children, because the strong needles are pretty, but unpleasant to touch, so pets and kids are more likely to avoid them.
Pine trees have softer needles and weaker branches, and provide a more subtle look overall. These trees are better for lightweight ornaments, and are often less expensive than other types of trees.
Caring for your tree: It’s best to keep your tree in a sheltered, cool area like a garage or covered patio until you are ready to bring it indoors. The trunk should be submerged in a container of water at all times so that sap does not form over the stump, preventing water absorption. Once inside, the tree should be kept away from direct sunlight if possible, and though there’s nothing like a beautifully decorated tree next to a roaring fire, positioning your tree near a frequently used fireplace can dry the tree out prematurely. It is also important to make sure that the tree has fresh water every day. A tree will absorb up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, and one or more quarts per day beyond that. Bob recommends watering the tree every evening to make sure it is adequately hydrated through the night.
Tree shopping during Covid: While Bob usually enjoys having families linger at the farm as part of the tree hunting experience, he acknowledges that this year will undoubtedly be different. He asks that all visitors follow safety guidelines by wearing masks when possible, and he hopes that families will be efficient during their visits in order to reduce crowds and keep traffic flowing. One of his biggest disappointments is that he feels he must ask visitors not to bring dogs to the farm this year, as families (especially children) are often drawn to the pups, which can cause congestion and extend visits. He’s hoping he will be able to welcome furry family members back to the farm at this time next year!
Happy tree hunting!
Colavita offers 35 varieties of fresh evergreen trees, falling into 3 categories: Spruce, Fir and Pine. Some of his loyal customers make appointments in late October or early November to tag and reserve the tree they want, scheduling a later date to have the tree cut, bound, and ready for pick up or delivery. The price is $75 for any live tree on the farm, regardless of size. They also offer a selection of pre-cut trees (Frazier Fir being most popular) that are brought in from Auburn, PA, ranging from 4 feet to 16 feet tall, and priced at $45-$400. Open daily from 9am-8pm, beginning November 27th. Choose and cut closes at 4:30.