Tree Information
for Matthes Tree Farm
Tree Facts
for the best christmas Tree experience
At Matthes Tree Farm in Southeast Michigan, you’re sure to find the perfect tree to brighten up your holiday season. With so many varieties to choose from, picking the right one can be overwhelming. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process so you can choose the tree that fits your style and needs. Please flip through each of our trees that we have available to learn more information on each.
At Matthes Tree Farm, we pride ourselves on providing quality trees and excellent service to all our customers. Once you’ve decided on the perfect tree, let one of our helpful staff members assist you in cutting it down and bringing it home. We look forward to helping you find the perfect tree to make your holiday season bright.
Fraser Fir
Fraser Fir
The Fraser Fir is a uniformly, pyramid-shaped tree. Needles are flattened and dark-green. The combination of form, dark green color, strong branches and pleasant scent has led to Fraser Fir being one of the most popular Christmas tree species. Excellent needle retention.
Scotch pine
Scotch Pine
The Scotch Pine is known for its dark green foliage and stiff branches, which are well suited for decorating with both light and heavy ornaments. It has excellent needle retention characteristics. The needles all vary in length, ranging from 2-3 inches. Color also varies between medium to dark green. Excellent needle retention.
White Pines
White Pines
The White Pine are similar to Scotch Pines although the branches will not support heavy decorations. Also, White Pines have excellent needle retention.
Canaan fir
Canaan fir
Canaan (pronounced “Ka-naan”), is a relative newcomer to the Christmas tree market. It has many similarities to both Fraser and Balsam Firs in growth and appearance. Good needle retention.
douglas fir
Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir has been the major Christmas tree species for many years. Also, the Douglas Fir is still very popular with good branch strength and pleasing form. Good needle retention.
Colorado Blue Spruce
Colorado Blue Spruce
Colorado Blue Spruce, or Blue Spruce, is an attractive tree often used for Christmas trees. Needles are a bit sharp, but the branches are quite strong and will hold larger (heavier) ornaments. Good needle retention.
Norway Spruce
Norway Spruce
The Norway Spruce is a very attractive looking tree with short needles. They are sharp with a very dark green color. The Norway Spruce will not hold needles as well as the other cut trees will so 2 to 3 weeks is all we recommend inside.
Selecting a Tree
Important Facts
The celebration of Christmas with a real tree has been a tradition for over 400 years. At one time, all Christmas trees were cut from natural stands (or out of the forest). These wild trees looked nothing like today’s professionally-grown and sheared trees. Today, Christmas trees are plantation grown. Matthes Tree Farm is a “choose and cut” farm where you can come and cut down your tree, as well as select one from our pre-cut lot.
To make your tradition more memorable and pleasant, we’d like to offer a few helpful hints when selecting a tree.
Know the size of the room that you are displaying your tree in
Select a tree that’s the appropriate size. Don’t forget to include space for the tree stand and tree topper!
If you’re looking for a particular size of tree?
- Wide trees include Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine and Blue Spruce
- Narrow trees include Fraser Fir and Canaan Fir
What is the length of time the tree will be displayed?
- A short time (3 weeks or less) – all varieties. Norway Spruce is attractive but needle retention is only two to three weeks
- A longer period (up to 6 weeks) – Scotch Pine, Fraser Fir, and White Pine
- Also, anytime you cut a tree and do not set it up the same day, the tree should be recut
How much decoration will be used?
- The more decorations that are used, the stronger the branches need to be, so we recommend purchasing a Blue Spruce or Frasier Fir.
Additional tips:
- Wear the right clothing for your day on the tree farm. As a “cut your own tree” farm, you’ll be happier if you bring your warm coat, boots, hat, and gloves. Don’t forget to bring your camera along.
- We would prefer you leave your pets at home.
- Feel free to bring your own hand saw, or just use one of ours. But please, for the safety of others, no chain saws.
Tree Care
When you bring your favorite tree home
At Matthes Tree Farm we strive to help our customers take care of their trees after they take them home. We understand that cutting a tree is an investment, and it requires proper care to ensure that it thrives. With that in mind, we have put together some information that will guide you on how to take care of your new tree.
Taking care of your new tree is essential to ensure that it remains beautiful throughout the Christmas season. With proper watering, fertilization, pruning, and mulching, you can have a happy, healthy, and thriving tree. At Matthes Tree Farm, we’re always here to answer your questions and provide you with the best information possible to take care of your tree.
General Tree Care
- Place tree in water as soon as possible. A tree will absorb as much as a quart of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more pints a day thereafter.
- Do not let the stand run out of water. Water is the most important part of keeping the tree fresh. Keep your tree in a cool location away from heat sources like fireplaces and registers.
- If the tree will not be displayed the same day that you cut it, make a fresh, straight cut across the base of the trunk (about a quarter inch up from the original cut).
Balled Tree Care
- Keep in mind that living trees are VERY heavy and bulky. A six-foot-tall balled and burlapped tree will weigh as much as 250 pounds.
- The tree should not be put right into a heated home. It is best to be stored in an unheated, sheltered area, such as a garage or porch, out of the wind and sun. Do not expose the tree to freezing temperatures at any time.
- The tree will need adequate water. The root ball or soil should be kept slightly damp but not flooded. Wrap the root ball of a balled tree in plastic or place in a tub while it is in the house.
- Live trees may be decorated, but with care. A live tree is best only kept in a warm home for 7 to 10 days at the most. This gives the tree the best chance of survival back out in the cold.
- Do not remove the tree directly from a warm house out into freezing temperatures. Instead, move back to a sheltered area first for several days.
- If the ground is unfrozen, the tree may be replanted. The spot to be dug should be mulched to prevent freezing. Plant as soon as possible.
- Do not remove the burlap and strapping. This keeps the root ball solid and secure. Do not attempt to remove soil from the root system. Earth removed from the original hole should be back-filled around the root ball. Mulch heavily over the top of the planted root ball to prevent it from freezing. Water only as needed; a flooded tree may not survive. Stake the trees to prevent wind tipping or damage during the first growing season.
Let’s Chat
Contact Matthes Tree Farm, where we offer Christmas activities and also serve as a wedding and event venue. Reach out to us today for more information!