VARNERS' TREE FARM

I generally like the existence of this farm due to the importance I place in protected agricultural acreage in suburban communities. However, I dislike the pricing and recent quality issues associated with this particular farm. These types of farms are perfect to put you in a holiday mood, but there is more responsible value elsewhere for the same experience.... Pricing has always been an issue and other nearby fall/spring/holiday farms are more reasonable in the area. The recent quality issue is that they have converted their Fraser fir Christmas tree stock to the much lower quality Canaan fir. Unbelievably, they still charge Fraser fir prices for the Canaan, a complete rip-off that I believe is dependent on the public's naivety with the difference. Canaan's are much sparser once unbaled, don't hold needles well, brown easily, and are considered to be a greater fire hazard. If this farm were to convert back to Fraser fir stock, I'd gladly show up once per year to pay premium prices. For other seasonal and general agriculture products and services, I'll go elsewhere....

We typically arrive early in the morning, and spend a couple of hours there. We are greeted by the help and assisted in getting into the wagons to be taken to the fields. If the weather permits the wagons are drawn by Belgian draft horses with jingle bells. The attendants in the fields are there to give you the saw you can use and instruct you in how to go about your adventure. There is help to assit you in getting your tree back to the loading station prior to your drive back to the barn. Complimentary hot chocolate or hot cider awaits in a barn filled with all kinds of treats for the tummy and the eye that are for purchase to add to your holiday experience. The trees are shaken, drilled if you have a stand straight tree stand, wrapped and you can be helped to load it onto your car if need be.