FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm in Jefferson is considered a small operation with about 15,000 Christmas trees. Those numbers are dwindling, however, due to dry conditions this year.
Owner Brian Riesett said because of the drought, they’ve lost around 1,100 trees.
“It’s tough,” Riesett said. “We’ve had two tough years.”
Riesett said the lack of rain between last year and this year has caused his Christmas tree farm to suffer immensely.
“Last year we lost about 900 to heat and drought, and this year, probably 1,100. So, 2,000 trees in two years, that’s a big hit for a farm our size,” he said.
“We’ve probably lost 100 trees of saleable size and those trees this year are selling for $85-95. Yeah, that’s $10,000 right there,” Riesett explained.
Riesett said some larger Christmas tree farms have irrigation systems to compensate for the lack of rainfall. Unfortunately, Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm does not.
“Our watering system is prayers and cross your fingers hope that it rains,” he said. “That’s typically our watering system.”
Riesett said despite the challenges posed by the drought, he’s looking forward to a joyous holiday season when his farm opens to the public this Saturday, Nov. 23.
“We installed some fake snow machines this year,” he said. “We tried one last year and the kids loved it, so we put four snow machines in here this year. We’re going to blow snow on the pre-cut section. I mean the smiles is what it is all about. It just warms your heart.”
Riesett says some Christmas tree farms may raise prices to make up for the trees they’ve lost. He says he will not increase his prices because he wants them to remain affordable for families.
