Christmas tree season starts at Ellms Family Farm

BALLSTON SPA (NEWS10) - The holiday season is in full swing at Ellms Family Farm, where families are flocking to find their perfect Christmas tree. The farm, known for its lush fields and family-friendly atmosphere, is bustling with activity as tree hunters scour the grounds for that quintessential centerpiece of holiday cheer.

Garth Ellms, the third-generation owner of the farm, proudly shares the legacy behind the thriving Christmas tree business. "My grandfather and father started it. We sold our first tree in 1989," said Ellms.

Today, the farm boasts an impressive 3,000 trees ready for sale, and the experience is as much about the journey as the destination. Visitors hop on trolleys to explore various fields across the property, adding an extra layer of adventure to their search for the perfect tree.

Rich Donaldson, a seasoned tree picker, explained his meticulous selection process. "We can’t just go by any tree, okay? If you find a tree right away, it’s no fun. You’ve got to search and make it last. A good tree has to be plush. It can’t be too tall or too small," he said.

The decision-making process can also spark some spirited debates among families. Shopper Karen Waverly shared a glimpse into her family’s tradition. "Whatever my husband says will fit in the house, I want the biggest tree. But he’s usually not in agreement," she laughed.

For many, the charm of cutting a tree fresh from the farm is an essential part of the holiday. Dean Leber, a visitor to the farm, emphasized the importance of a real tree to his family’s celebrations. "I grew up in the country, and we cut down our own tree. Here’s how we saw it growing up: fake tree, fake Christmas."

In addition to spreading holiday joy locally, Elms Family Farm participates in the Trees for Troops program, which sends Christmas trees to service members stationed overseas. "We do Trees for Troops, and we’ll send about 150 trees out of here to our men and women around the world. We’ve actually seen trees go to Afghanistan. It’s really wild to see a green tree in the desert, and it’s a great feeling for us," said Ellms.

So if you or your family still need a tree, Elms Family Farm is open through Christmas.