Christmas tree farm a family affair
VERNON — End-O-Lane Tree Farm was started over 40 years ago by Bill Young’s mother-in-law Mabel Goranson. Today, the tree farm flourishes under the watchful eye of three generations of the Young family, Bill, sons Dan and Chris and three grandsons and one granddaughter. All were present and working on Saturday December 8, as customers streamed in, in search of the perfect Christmas tree. And perfect they were, standing tall and straight in the winter chill. Most of the trees are Douglas firs and Blue spruces with an occasional fir variation, all on the beautiful 80- acre farm setting with roughly five acres dedicated to the growth of Christmas trees.
The farm opened on Thanksgiving weekend and will continue to be open right up to December 23. Bill chuckled when asked if being a Christmas tree farmer is a seasonal job.
“It’s a 12-month mission,” explained Bill.
He described how each season brings another necessary maintaining of the Christmas crop.
“In springtime, we replant seedlings to replenish. Last year, we replanted 150 seedlings, whereas, this year we will need to replant 300 seedlings,” Bill stated.
An unusually dry spring caused many seedlings and trees to perish. Late spring and summer requires regular mowing of the tree fields.
“In autumn, we shape the trees creating perfect Christmas trees for area homes,” said the farmer.
The farm has well over 1,000 trees of all ages and sizes. According to Dan Young, the average six -foot- tall Christmas tree needs to be growing in the field for six to seven years. Many locals with cathedral ceiling homes look to End-O-Lane Tree Farm for their beautiful 15- foot spruces and firs.
“This farm is a you pick, we cut farm,” said Dan Young.
The Youngs are very proud to note that the Vernon Township tree used for the annual Christmas tree lighting at the Vernon Fire Department was donated by the farm in 2015.
The End-O-Lane Farm is also donating a Christmas tree to the Vernon Township High School Band and Orchestra for a raffle to benefit both school organizations.
The tree farm is open for business every weekend up until Christmas on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.