We decided to start a new family tradition and purchase a local pine tree for our Christmas. We heard several great reviews of Matthes' location from friends, and made the long drive from Trenton.
Matthes is tucked away on Lulu in the middle of the Ida farmland, an area my wife and I know well from our younger years. (Wave to the cows and horses)
The setup on a Wednesday afternoon was wide open and wonderful. There were about 50 pre-cut trees of every variety staked on display near the front of the property by the big parking lot, and you could also venture out into the great unknown if you wanted something that they hadn't already chosen for display.
We were lucky enough to find a PERFECT 7' Fraser for our living room right up front, and after carrying it up to the bailing area, they put it on a "shaker" to shake off all the excess pine needles. (Genius!)
It was $4 to have our tree bailed, nice and tight, and that allowed us to easily wrap it with the provided string and tie down to our roof. We were out the door with a perfect tree and tip for our helper for $80.
Honestly, there were probably only about four other customers there during our visit, but there were port-a-potties and snack area, etc for the big weekend crowds. They also had several, beautifully handmade wreaths hanging for sale.
The smell of this thick-branched, sappy Fraser pine has filled our home in less than 24 hours.
Start a tradition and buy local. You'll be glad you did. read more