What should I check before buying a Christmas tree farm?

A Christmas tree farm sells a crop that takes years to grow and a few weeks to sell. That shape explains most of what a buyer should look at. The standing trees are the main asset to verify, and they cannot be judged from a listing summary. Walk it, ask for the records behind it and talk to the people who work it.

The trees in the ground

Ask for a count of standing trees by species and by year of planting, and ask who made the count and how. Walk several rows yourself. You want to see whether the trees are even, healthy and close to the age the seller says. A gap of several years in planting means a gap in what can be sold later, so ask the seller to explain it.

Planting and shearing records

Trees need regular shaping and care to reach a saleable form. Ask for the planting plan, the shearing and weed control routines and any losses to weather, pests or disease. Records show whether the farm is run on a plan or from memory. If the seller keeps little on paper, ask how you will learn what the owner knows.

How the trees are sold

Wholesale lots and choose-your-own sales are different businesses on one property. Wholesale depends on buyers and delivery. Choose-your-own depends on traffic, parking, staff and a good season. Ask for the split, who the repeat customers are and what happens to trees that do not sell.

People and equipment

The selling season is short, so the farm leans on seasonal staff and on machines that must start when needed. Ask who returns each year, and read about what happens to temporary foreign workers when you buy a business if the crew includes them. Ask for an equipment list with age and condition.