Christmas tree sales start in Elgin

ELGIN, Texas (KXAN) - A steady line of cars was coming and going from the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm Friday.

Twyla Nash, Elgin Christmas Tree Farm co-owner, says they were expecting nearly one thousand visitors. With a petting zoo, maze, hay rides and store, there’s a lot to take in.

For many families, the trip to Elgin for their Christmas tree has become a tradition.

"We like to find one that’s nice and full, that’s tall,” said Michaelanne Briggs. “One that we like that had a little bit of personality."

The Crow family has made the trip from Austin for the past 12 years. For them, it's an all-day affair. They stop for lunch at a local barbeque joint.

"Its funny you don’t really realize you’re making a tradition until you’ve made them," said Gina Crow.

Nash says the tree selection looks good. They grow Virginia Pines, Loblolly Pines and even Leyland Cypress, for the allergy sufferers. Customers pick their favorite, cut it down and strap it to their car.

This year, however, record heat and drought conditions are taking a toll. The farm started irrigating three years ago and stepped up their efforts last October, but they still lost some of the youngest trees.

“Mostly what we’ve suffered is the younger trees because they have the smaller roots and they couldn’t make it through the heat in the summer,” said Nash.

That means there will be fewer in the fields for the next couple of years. In a typical year, they plant 6,000-7,000 trees. 4,000-5,000 trees are cut down and sold during the holiday season.

The farm does ship in trees from Virginia to help fill any voids.

“We’re also very blessed to have Fraser Firs we bring in from our friend's farm in North Carolina,” said Nash. “That’s an option if you can’t find a tall enough tree in the field, because that’s something the drought affects the height. They don’t grow as much when it doesn’t rain.”

The Elgin Christmas Tree Farm holiday season starts the day after Thanksgiving.