Life at Pineberry

Pineberry Farm is a family run Christmas tree farm in the small town of Wheelock Vermont.

Owned and operated by the Potter Family for 25 years it has become well known in the community for their friendly attitudes and great customer service. Being the newest member of the Pineberry family I hardly know all the ins and outs of how the farm runs but I sat down with Nick Potter to find out just how you farm a Christmas tree.

Nick is the youngest grandson of Farm owner Bob Potter and hopes to take over the farm after graduating college next year.

When I asked Nick what the hardest part of tree farming was he gave this response “During trimming season it gets very hot and humid.”

I asked Nick to explain exactly what he meant by trimming season… After aren't Christmas Trees a winter thing?

 First he chuckled and then explained “The winter season is just the big push before we call it a year. Spring starts off our season with planting, we plant 3 to 6 thousand saplings a year. After that all 75 thousand trees need to be fertilized. Then comes shearing, this is how we get the trees to have that perfect cone shape that everyone loves. 3 months later we start cutting trees to send out to major retailers in the area.”

When asked, Nick told us that his favorite part of working on the farm was seeing the children’s faces after picking out their tree and bringing it back to the car to bring home. “It’s where I get the biggest sense of satisfaction.”

Pineberry farm also donates about 75 trees a year to local churches giving all the profits to the organizations. 

“For most farms it’s all about the money” Nick tells me, “for us it’s about helping people that may not be able to afford a tree have that small piece of Christmas that would otherwise be lost. We sell our trees for 25 dollars no matter the size or shape. A lot of other farms are getting 50 – 60 for their taller trees.”

His favorite part of running the farm? Driving his tractor.

“Being able to escape from everything even just for a few hours is great. I don’t have to worry about anything but not hitting trees while I’m in the field.”

If you would like to get in contact with Nick at Pineberry you can reach him at (802) 626- 8075. They would love to see you this year and everyone is welcome.