GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Here at Sugar Pines Farm in Geauga County, the feel-good field is full of spruce and firs.
"I think this little bit of colder, wet weather is making us feel like it's finally here," said Jane Neubauer, who has owned Sugar Pines with her husband for 13 seasons. The tree-growing tradition goes back further, however.
"It's been here for 40 years," Jane added.
Sugar Pines' crop of evergreens grows slowly, maturing in anywhere from six to 12 years. They stagger planting and harvesting of five types of trees, and according to experts at the Real Christmas Tree Board — of which Jane is a member — going "live" in 2024 won't mean going broke.
Using research gathered by the RCTB, Jane has great news for tree-buyers.
"The input costs, they never go down," she said. "Let's put it that way: I would not expect to see any significant prices in real trees around here."
There's no tree shortage expected, either, even with the drought. So if you're pining to continue a family tradition or start a new one, the memories only a real tree can bring await.
The Neubauers put everything they have into the farm, and get as much out of watching people light up when they find that perfect tree as their customers do.
"It's amazing to be here when all the families — multiple cars come out, it's their ritual every year," Jane explained. "It's such a happy part of the holidays, and we get to witness that every day here during tree season, so it makes the hard work worth it."