Christmas preparation at Herba's Tree Farm
PERTH, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Herba family has been farming in Perth for more than a century and since 1984, Mike and his dad, Tom, have been growing Christmas trees. Every year, from late May to early July, his trees get bigger and 2024 is no different.
"Right now, it is really dry out but most of these trees, like these trees here behind us, they have three, four feet root systems on them because they're eight to ten years old," explained Mike Herba.
At Herba's Tree Farm, it's thanks to the sod under the trees that moisture and nutrients can still be absorbed even with how dry the year has been. Mike says the saplings have also been doing well. "This year, there was no worry but if you put them in early May and if it's a drought in mid July, you'll start to lose some."
While the dry weather hasn’t affected their trees, Tom wants you to know that once they’re in your home, the dryness could be dangerous. "The most important thing is do not let them run out of water. You make a fresh cut on the bottom and put them in water immediately and keep them watered. Do not let them run out."
Tom adds that it's normal for the trees on the farm to have some dead needles on them. Just brush them off before you bring one inside. There are close to 20,000 trees on the property ready to go for the holiday season. Herba's Tree Farm will be open to pick up or cut Christmas trees on November 23, 2024.
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