Deck the Halls With a Florida Christmas Tree From Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest

This article first appeared in Florida Farm & Family.

Holiday traditions vary from family to family, but one thing that draws so many people together as they prepare for the holiday season is the selection of the main decoration: the Christmas tree.

The Florida Christmas Tree Association claims nearly 30 million real trees are used nationwide each holiday season, and farmers plant more than 85 million trees annually to replace those harvested.

Florida’s greenbelt of tree farms provides an economically thoughtful, environmentally friendly and communal tree that perfectly captures the holiday spirit, including the trimmings of making memories.

The owners of Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis say they have the privilege of setting the stage for meaningful visitor experiences.

“It’s fun to watch families come in year after year to choose and cut a tree as their holiday tradition,” says Jodi Utsman, who co-owns the farm with her husband, Tom.

Sandy Solutions

Jodi’s family memories are lined in pine with her parents, Jack and Judy Ewing, the founding owners and former operators of the farm. In 1980, they purchased 33 acres in Eustis and moved to the property with Jodi and her sister, Jana.

The Ewings treated the land as an invitation to cultivate something new, prompting Jack to investigate native crops. In the search for his farm’s agricultural centerpiece, Jack became fascinated by and dedicated to planting Florida Christmas trees.

See more: 5 Fantastic Florida Agritourism Destinations

Tom recalls Jack Ewing’s initial hurdle: “The Virginia pine wouldn’t grow in the deep sandy soil, so this first attempt was a disaster.”

But, when Ewing discovered the Choctawhatchee sand pine, a business wonderland was born. The sapling of a vision grew into a whimsical venue, decorated like Santa’s workshop with many merrymaking features.

A Family of Elves

Jodi and Tom carry on the family tradition, with the support of their children and grandchildren.

“We are so happy and proud to have a fourth generation of Christmas tree farmers growing up on the farm,” Jodi says.

The generations of “elves” assist in caring for 17 acres of choose-and-cut trees with three varieties: sand pine, red cedar and Arizona cypress.

Guests have the option to either walk the field and select their tree, or they can enjoy a hayride that tours and stops throughout the lot. The farm provides visitors bow saws, and visitors provide modest elbow grease to unearth their choice cut. After visitors cut their trees, the farm’s staff process and prepare the crowning conifers for their new homes. Tom says it’s a special activity for all.

“People that didn’t grow up in the North have an opportunity to cut a Christmas tree here,” Tom says. “And Northerners in Florida are excited to relive their out-of-state experience.”

Sustainability Rooted in Tradition

The benefits of a real Christmas tree extend beyond memory-making and festive celebration.

With more holiday trees planted than harvested each year, the crops preserve land, are biodegradable, increase soil stability, protect water supplies, require less fuel for transportation, serve as a habitat for wildlife and improve air quality.

In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of carbon dioxide produced by driving a car 26,000 miles, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. What’s more, in exchange for carbon dioxide absorption, the trees release oxygen.

See more: Christmas Tree Care Tips to Keep Your Holiday Centerpiece Fresh

“One tree in our field can produce enough oxygen for one person a day, and we are surrounded by trees,” Jodi says.
Florida Christmas tree growers are a breath of fresh air in another way. The Utsmans say they appreciate the patronage of their farm, which by extension, strengthens the state’s economy.

“We hire up to 200 employees by December,” Jodi says. “Those staff members have the privilege of serving the guests, helping them find their way around the farm and give them the awesome time they expect.”

Farm first-timers who may expect that classic Christmas evergreen scent as they wander around the choose-and-cut lot quickly realize that Christmas still smells like Florida. However, Jodi says the red cedar’s aroma is similar to the aroma of a Northern evergreen.

She also points out that, ultimately, selecting the best live Christmas tree is a matter of personal preference.

“Most of our trees are under 8 feet and green and full, but some are as high as 15 feet,” Jodi says. “Your perfect tree may be short and fat, tall and skinny, or it may be Charlie Brown style.”

Regardless of the tree type, the seasonal – and sustainable – magic is multiplied by making a homegrown Tannenbaum the star of your holiday decor.