Spotlight on Crystal Creek Tree Farm!
When the Kobervig family moved to El Dorado County in the 1970s, their property was an apple
and pear orchard. Christmas trees were not part of the plan. But when they saw the cars lined
up to go to their neighbor’s tree farm in the winter months, they decided to remove their
orchard and plant Christmas trees instead. “Apples were too much work,” Dee Kobervig recalls
laughing.
For the past 25 years, the Kobervigs’ Crystal Creek Farm has been growing several varieties of
tree (with a few attempts at Indian corn and flowers in between). They joined the Apple Hill
Growers Association to soak up the farming knowledge from the families that have been in the
region for generations and to be a part of an organization where quality and customer service is
important.
“The idea in planting Christmas trees was to put every dime earned toward our children’s
college funds. Thankfully, we were able to send both our girls to two of the top-rated
Universities here in California with almost no debt because of the success of the tree business,”
she said. Now they both come and help every tree season with their family.
Crystal Creek offers nine varieties of trees: White Fir, Swift Silver, Silver Tip, Douglas Fir, Noble
Fir, Nordmann Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Cedar and Grand Fir. The Nordmann, with its rich
green color and dense needles, and the Noble, with its strong branches and long life, are the
most popular.
When our visiting families cut down their tree, they are asked to leave the lower branches on
the stump. In the spring, the stump will regenerate new sprouts and with careful pruning will
become a new tree. This type of farming requires less water. Plus, growing trees produces
oxygen and helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Not only are the trees
beautiful, but they’re also sustainable. A fresh-cut tree is 100% renewable and recyclable.
The farm has been independently certified as “Fish Friendly,” which means they take extra care
in keeping area streams and rivers free of pollutants and run-off.
Dee recommends getting up to the farms early to make sure you can have your pick of the crop
and suggests trying the road less traveled – in other words, head further up in elevation where
the cooler weather creates ideal growing conditions for the trees.
“Be patient,” she said. “There’s a perfect tree for everyone, but the most important thing is to
have fun with your friends and family when you visit.”
Crystal Creek Farm is open now, from 9:00 a.m. to dusk, until sold out. For more details, visit their WEBSITE