Diamond Valley Christmas Tree Farm

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My kids have asked me the same thing every Christmas for many years 'Are we going to get a fresh Christmas tree?'

I admit I used to love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree as a child but I have, for quite some time, just pulled out the old plastic tree. It's easier, it's cheaper and it saves picking up pine needles. But it's definitely not the same.



I was surprised how excited I was when I drove into the . It's quite expansive and once inside you are am surrounded by many well groomed Christmas trees of all sizes.



I have never been to pick my own Christmas tree and was delighted to meet Tony (one of the owners) taking the chainsaw out with a couple who had picked a special tree.

I could also see another worker (Santa's little helper?) clipping and trimming the trees to make them perfect for someone's Christmas event.



The average priced tree of about five and half to 6 foot is about $50. You can find some for less and of course for more. This is pretty reasonable considering that it takes about four and a half years to grow to that size.

Tony said that the largest tree they have is about 20 foot tall. When I asked him how much that would be worth he was unsure but said probably at least $550-$600.

You can also buy stands for between 25 and $75 depending on the size.

They do sell trees already cut but I think there's more fun in watching your tree being cut for you. Tony picked my tree, he took out his chainsaw and warned me that was going to be noisy. He did this with great skill and speed of someone who's done it thousands of times.



Tony has been one of the original owners of this Christmas tree farm since it opened 20 years ago. He explained that for four weeks of the year the farm was frantic because of course it is a seasonal business. During the other 11 months of the year they prepare the soil plant, a baby trees and look after the existing trees to be ready for November and December sales. He laughed when he told me that as they close the gates at 1 PM on 24 December, that people would often pull up and beg him to open the gates to get their Christmas tree.

I found Tony a jovial character who could have possibly been a relative of Clause himself. As I left with my fresh little Christmas tree I truly felt the spirit of Christmas. Ho ho ho.

#christmas
#family
#fun_things_to_do
#north_east
#shopping
#st_helena
%wnmelbourne