Cranston's Christmas Tree Farm -- About Our Farm

A PORTION OF OUR CHOOSE & CUT FIELD

The photograph above represents a portion of our centuries old 170-acre farm, which is located on Bellus and Baptist Corner roads in Ashfield, Massachusetts.

CHRISTMAS TREES
Although previous generations of this family raised sheep and milked cows, we -- the 3rd and 4th generations -- farm this rolling and hilly terrain by growing 30,000 Christmas trees on 30 acres.

Varieties grown include Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, and Fraser Fir. In the spring, we plant 4-year-old trees into the main fields, fertilize all trees, and monitor for insect damage, fungal diseases, and root rot in all fields. The majority of the summer is spent trimming and shaping the trees, with time out to mow between the rows to control vegetation and weeds. Fall finds us grading trees according to size and quality, and preparing for the harvest. We harvest anywhere from 900 to 3000 Christmas trees per year, selling to both wholesale and retail markets.

MAPLE SYRUP
To round out our farm life, in February we set about 900 sugar maple taps, gather the sap, boil it down, and produce a delicate flavored maple syrup to be sold.

HAY
In mid-June and mid-August we cut, rake, and bale hay from 30 acres. Our hay is fine-textured and an excellent feed for cows, horses, goats, or sheep.

Photo credits: Betsy Cranston, Carrie Cranston, Cynthia Cranston & Maryellen Cranston