“It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie,” says Ian Dovan.
He describes a magical wonderland with lights, sights, and smells of Christmas time. Trees upon trees awaiting the chance to be chosen by a family this holiday season. Christmas tree farms in Knoxville hold a special place in the hearts of the owners and families of East Tennessee.
Dovan took over Raise the Tree from Dirty Guv’nahs lead singer James Trimble around nine years ago. The business started as a Christmas tree delivery service (which they still offer) in 2009 and has since evolved into a holiday experience that families can look forward to.
“Create unforgettable family traditions” is the farm’s mission statement. For Dovan and the rest of Raise the Tree, the experience and atmosphere is most important. There’s fresh wreaths and garlands, free s’mores and hot chocolate, and, of course, the trees.
Although admission to the farm is free, 10% of all proceeds go toward nonprofits and local charities. Raise the Tree has raised over $50,000 throughout the years.
Christmas tree farms are nothing new for Knoxville; some businesses have been here for decades. However, the experience never gets old.
Bluebird Christmas Tree Farms has been selling trees for around 43 years now. Leo Collins and his wife bought the farm and quickly recognized that they needed a way for the farm to pay for itself.
“We tried all sorts of things – beehives, grapevines, wholesale nursery, christmas trees. Over the years, the Christmas trees always stayed a lot more fun because you get to meet the families that come. We could’ve made more on grapes but it just wasn’t fun to sell them,” says Collins.
Bluebird started as a wholesale nursery, but then moved to a farm open to the public.
“We were caught off guard that this was way more fun than just taking orders over the phone and just shipping trees. We now have several third generational families coming to get trees,” says Collins. “Those are perks you just don’t get with regular wholesale nurseries.”
Bluebird also has a gift shop full of items from local vendors, such as jams, butters, handmade toys, t-shirts, and caps.
When it comes to the benefits of real Christmas trees as opposed to fake ones, the experience at the farm is just the beginning for Dovan. The first major benefit is how much better real trees are for the environment. Dovan says that for every tree that is chopped down, approximately two are put in its place. Additionally, fake trees typically last five to seven years and then end up in landfills.
Raise the Tree urges families to purchase real trees and set the precedent for their kids. Dovan says those purchasing their first live Christmas tree will receive 25% off.
“If someone has only had an artificial tree they’re not gonna think to go get one. That’s gotta start with your number one,” says Dovan. “Trees mean life and I really like the symbolism of what a live tree means to people.”
Raise the Tree will have their grand opening on Nov. 23 and will go until they sell out of trees. The farm is open every day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 p.m. to 8 p.m., but it will be closed on Thanksgiving. There are a few pop-up stores throughout Knoxville – check the website for more information.
Bluebird Christmas Tree Farm opens Nov. 21. The farm is open Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for Thanksgiving day.