In 1839, Simon Wyckoff made a significant purchase of 172 acres in what is now Warren County, central New Jersey. Over a century later, in 1958, the fifth and sixth generations, who had shifted to dairy farming, took a bold step by planting 1,000 Norway spruce seedlings on a challenging piece of land. Their first harvest came in 1967 when they sold six trees for $5 each. In 1970, they made a decisive move and sold the cows, transforming the family into full-time Christmas tree farmers.

The Legacy of Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm

A Century of Christmas Tree Farming

John Wyckoff stands as the seventh generation to oversee the family farm. Today, Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm boasts more than a dozen species planted across approximately 70 acres. It's a place where families have been coming for generations. As couples get married and start their families, they often return to this farm, creating a lasting tradition. Some families have been coming for four generations, making it a special part of their holiday memories.Wyckoff is not only a successful farmer but also holds significant positions. He is the 2024 president of the National Christmas Tree Association and a 12-time grand champion of the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association. He has participated in the National Christmas Tree Association competition twice. In 2013, he was named the grand champion grower and provided a tree to the White House. As the reserve grand champion in 2019, he supplied the tree for the vice president's home. These achievements showcase his expertise and dedication to the craft.

A Year in the Life of a Christmas Tree Farmer

Christmas tree farmers follow a unique timeline compared to other growers. As Wyckoff explains, "It's not 'plant them in the spring, harvest them in the fall.' You plant your crop and wait 7 to 10 years, depending on the species, to see a harvest. It's a long-term investment that requires patience and hard work."Throughout the year, the trees demand constant attention. Whether it's dealing with insects, fungus, mowing, shearing, or planting and harvesting, there is a lot of physical labor involved. The season begins in January when the Wyckoffs finish shearing and shaping the trees that were left undone in the fall. They also take care of their equipment during this time. In April, tree planting begins, which is one of the enjoyable aspects for Wyckoff. Throughout spring, he and his crew fertilize the trees and conduct regular field walks to monitor for any potential insect or fungus problems. They also practice herbicide banding to prevent weeds from encroaching on the trees.Mowing becomes a full-time job as summer approaches. Keeping the trees trimmed helps the lower branches develop better, prevents moisture buildup that could lead to fungus, and makes it easier for predators to reach vermin. "We also like to keep the farm looking nice," Wyckoff says. Throughout the summer, they continue to shear the trees to maintain their perfect Christmas tree shape.

When Fall Arrives

Once fall comes, there is another round of herbicide banding. It's time to get the farm cleaned up and ready for the sale season, which begins the day after Thanksgiving. Then, it's a race against time as they sell trees until they run out. Wyckoff mentions that their most popular trees are Fraser, Canaan, and Douglas firs, which are North American varieties. He has also added international seed sources from Turkey, China, and Georgia and is experimenting with hybrid crosses. "It's interesting because they take on different characteristics," he says. "It's an evolving business. Back in the day, my father and grandfather planted Scotch pine and Norway spruce, but those are not where the market is anymore."Customers can also get a uniquely colored tree at Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm. Wyckoff discovered a latex-based paint formulated for Christmas trees at a growers' meeting. Despite the initial objections from his family, he decided to give it a try. On a Saturday night just before Halloween, he painted a few white and purple trees near the road. The next morning, traffic came to a halt as people took pictures of the colorful trees. "I knew we were onto something, and Monday morning I was on the phone with the supplier to order a batch of different colors," he says. "We've been doing it ever since." Some people choose a favorite color, while others match a tree to their favorite sports team. "You give the people what they want," he says.

Advice for Beginners

Wyckoff is often asked for advice by those interested in entering the Christmas tree business. His first piece of advice is to learn what you're getting into. He recommends joining a state, regional, or national Christmas tree growers association. "That's the best way to get your feet wet," he says. "Go to meetings and learn from those who have been there and done that because it's an evolving business."Another important challenge to be aware of is the lack of feasible crop insurance available to Christmas tree growers, unlike traditional commodities. A single drought can affect multiple years of harvests, and you may not see the impact on your bottom line for years. "We typically plant extra trees to hedge our bets a bit; then, if we have a bad year, we can hold some over from the previous year or maybe get into next year's trees a bit early," he says. "It's when you have a couple of bad drought years in a row that it gets tough."Christmas tree growers also need a critical eye. "My father was a very meticulous man," Wyckoff says. "He really paid attention to detail. You don't get high-yield corn if you don't pay attention to detail. You don't get the best beef if you don't pay attention to detail. It's the same with Christmas trees. It's shearing technique, fertilization, and just making sure everything's right. Our goal is to put out the best product that we can. I do my best to learn because there's always something new coming."

Christmas With the Wyckoffs

While the Wyckoff family is immersed in Christmas trees year-round and especially busy during the last quarter of the year, they still enjoy decorating their home for the holidays. When asked about the tree he chooses for his house, Wyckoff laughs and says, "Whatever my wife wants." This year, it's a 9½-foot Fraser fir. They try to get the tree close to Thanksgiving to ensure it's up in time for the holidays. Once they open on Black Friday, they work long hours seven days a week until they sell out all the trees.In addition to self-serve tree cutting, there are three different tree sales sites on the farm, each with its own crew processing trees. "It's quite an undertaking," he says. "I call it 'organized chaos.' Visitors come to Wyckoff's Christmas Tree Farm not only for the trees but also for the Christmas Barn retail store. The store carries wreaths, swags, and other items made from tree trimmings, as well as Christmas decorations, gifts, and products from other local farmers. To learn more, visit wyckoffs.com.