A sparkling Christmas tree marks the kickoff to a season of celebration with loved ones. Adams Fairacre Farms is one destination to upkeep a family tree tradition.
“Christmas trees are all about relationships—relationships between the trees and the weather patterns, relationships between the customers and farmers, many of whom have specialized in growing them for decades,” explains Jason Becker, the nursery manager at Adams Fairacre Farms in Kingston, who has been selling Christmas trees for over 20 years. Trees also bring together relationships of family and friends who gather to decorate.
At any of Adams’ five locations, tree shoppers can choose between two types of Christmas trees, the Fraser fir and the Balsam fir. According to Becker, slightly more people prefer the Fraser, which has a stronger branch and lasts longer. But the Balsam fir isn’t without its charm, with more of a traditional scent, a skinnier shape, and open branches that lets the light shine through. Either trees’ deep green hues become festive focal points for holiday gatherings.
Local tree farms might appeal to those looking for the experience of choosing their tree and cutting it down, though they are generally smaller in size and limited in supply. While Adams relies on local sourcing for many of its products, tree production relies heavily on rainfall, so the store sources trees from Michigan, the mountains of North Carolina, Quebec, and Nova Scotia to meet consumer needs.
Founded in 1919, Adams has been a beloved Hudson Valley institution for generations of holidays. “Many people come here for trees because they know they can count on finding one,” says Becker. The Kingston store sells almost 3,500 cut trees during the season and also offers artificial trees. Together, Adams’ locations sell about 12,000 fresh-cut trees per year.
Some of the relationships that Becker has cultivated with tree farmers have existed for upwards of 30 years. One of these relationships is with Cline Church Nursery in North Carolina, which grows Fraser firs and has supplied the White House with trees.
Choosing and Tending to a Christmas Tree
When choosing a tree, there’s one simple test to help make a selection. “Cuff your hand and pull along the branch of a tree—needles should not shed in your hand,” says Becker. Falling needles might indicate the tree is at its end of life or hasn’t received enough water.
Before putting a tree up, Becker suggests cutting a couple of inches off the bottom and placing the tree directly in water. To keep a tree thriving, replenish the water supply daily, keep it out of direct sunlight, and away from drying elements like a heater or a fireplace.
“I’ve been selling Christmas trees for years, but this year, the trees are better than ever,” says Becker.
