One staple of the holiday season for many people is the tradition of the Christmas tree. There are many options when it comes to picking the best type of tree for your home. Some people prefer an artificial tree that they can use year after year. Others prefer the smell and look of a real tree, which means they need a new one every year.
When it gets close to Christmas, pre-cut trees begin to pop-up at local stores and in vacant lots. However, there is another option that often gets overlooked — a tree farm. When someone chooses to get their tree from one of these farms, they get an amazing experience as well as the perfect tree.
First, each person can peruse the farm and look at all of the different trees. They will be able to see the different types and sizes available. When buying pre-cut, it is often difficult to tell exactly how tall the tree is or what it will look like standing tall. When you go to a farm, you see exactly what each tree looks like standing in all of its glory. Because the trees have not been cut yet, they stay fresh longer than pre-cut ones. Sadly, there are not as many tree farms as there once were.
But, the Snyder Tree Farm is continuing the tradition and they are preparing to open for the season.
The Snyder Tree Farm is located in Marlinton, W.Va.; but according to the owner, John Snyder, it is “in a corner of Marlinton up on the mountain” and it is a “whole other world”.
Patrons are treated to an amazing view while on the mountain choosing their tree. They see the rest of the farm as well as looking down on Snowshoe and Bald Knob.
Snyder Tree Farm grows white pine, blue spruce and Fraser fir. They farm began with only white pine but they have since added the two additional varieties. Snyder says that Fraser firs are now their primary variety. Patrons can choose from a wide range of sizes, as there are trees up to ten feet tall.
Once someone has chosen their tree all they have to do is put their hand up and Mr. Snyder will find them and cut the tree for them. There is the option for cutting your own tree, but many people do not come prepared for that.
The farm began in 1976 when the family planted their first seedlings. They began selling them in 1983, after the trees had time to grow and mature. At one point, they had trees on other properties but eventually they found the 120-acre property that they now reside on. In fact, the Snyder family lives on the property and you pass their house on the way up the mountain to the trees.
The Snyder Tree Farm is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until dark. Anyone interested in buying a tree can simply go to their house — appointments are not required. Mrs. Snyder will be there to greet patrons and get them started.
John Snyder said patrons may want to call first as the farm can be tricky to locate if you are not familiar with the area, but a call is not necessary to come to pick out a tree. Their opening day is the day before Thanksgiving November 25.
Pandemic guidelines will be followed. The farm will have masks and hand sanitizer available for anyone who needs them. The employees will be wearing masks and all activities are outside.
