Christmas Tree Farms Spreading Cheer in Wiregrass

It's the time of year when we gather around the Christmas tree and say thanks. For Mary Johnson and her family each tree is a blessing in itself.

"Some (tree farmers) are not having a good season, but were just a little farm so we are blessed and very thankful," said Johnson who,along with her family, owns the Back Home Tree Farm in Cottonwood.

The Johnson's have spent the last fifteen years raising Christmas trees and have seen ups and downs each year in sales. However, this year is different because many families are purchasing live Christmas trees again despite a tough economy.

"We try to keep the prices low so that everybody that wants a tree can afford a tree," said Johnson. "But as with any tough economy and any industry, it affects Christmas trees."

For The Back Home Tree Farm, this year has been particularly successful. Johnson said they started to sell the trees the first of November--earlier than ever before. It takes four years for one Fraser Fir to harvest, and lots of sweat equity from the Johnson's. "You don't just plant them and they pop up into a Christmas tree--no, no," said Johnson.

Each tree is sent home to a new family with love--and plenty of Christmas cheer.

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