From Tannenbaum Farms to everywhere in-between: Where to buy your Christmas tree in Centre County
Martha Weidensaul’s voice cracked, with tears pooling in the corner of her right eye, when she reflected on this being the final year for Tannenbaum Farms.
For more than 40 years, she and her husband Craig greeted county residents every winter in what’s become central Pennsylvania’s largest cut-your-own-tree farm, where they sold firs, spruces and pines to homes looking for Christmas trees. It’s not that they’re eager to move onto their next stop, Foxdale Village Retirement Community in State College, but they simply can’t move like they used to. At 78 and 82 years old, respectively, the longtime owners know it’s time to hang up their Christmas wreaths and call it a career.
“A lot of families have many fond memories, for years, of coming here,” Martha said, as one couple shouted their thanks from a pick-up truck. “But think of all our memories, magnified by theirs. We have a lot to be thankful for and to pleasantly remember. And, yes, it’s a hard time to stop — for them and for us. But it’s time.”
It’s been a fruitful half-century for the quick-witted couple that’s no longer quick on their feet. Craig jokes about his arthritis, warning visitors to watch out for the “Itis Brothers” as Arthur’s the worst. And, ever the people person, Martha always makes sure to spare time for any visitor looking to share memories.
The two first purchased 80 acres in 1970, almost on a whim when Craig wondered aloud about starting a tree farm. “I told him it was an interesting idea,” Martha remembered with a laugh. “I never told him back then it was a good one.”
The two learned as they went, initially living in Ohio and driving back throughout the year to tend to their trees. That continued until 1995 when they built a home on their farm due to expansion, the trees needing more attention, Craig wanting to move back near his hometown, and the commute becoming more difficult.
At one point early on, they had 44 cents between them. And, back when they’d commute to their farm when younger, they’d simply stay in a tent. They didn’t have much in the beginning, but they had each other — and then three children. And, for decades, Centre County had Tannenbaum Farms.
Next year, the tree farm will be turned into a different farm, one that will produce crops and vegetables. But for this final winter, it’s still Tannenbaum Farms — and Martha and Craig plan to enjoy it while they can.
“We could not have done this without our family, then our neighbors. When we were in trouble they were here for us,” Martha said. “Our friends, our relatives, came and helped when we were in a bind. ... And we’ve been lucky enough to work with wonderful young people, mostly from this community. We’ve just been so fortunate.”
For those looking for Christmas trees this season, maybe to start their own holiday traditions, here’s a closer look at Tannenbaum Farms and other locally-owned spots around Centre County:
Tannenbaum Farms
Location: 161 McCool Road, Centre Hall
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Variety: Blue spruce, concolor/white fir, Fraser fir
Price: Cut-your-own trees are $45 regardless of size, while pre-cut trees start at $30 and vary based on size
What to know: Fraser fir, their most popular tree, is mainly what remains available — and when they’re gone, they’re gone for good. The owners expect all their trees to be sold sometime between this Sunday and the middle of the month. So don’t dawdle. Wreaths are also available and range in price from $8 to $55, depending on size and decorations.
Cingel’s Tree Farm
Location: 147 Dairy St., Clarence
Hours: No set hours. (Cut your own tree during the weekdays and leave money in a box as part of an honor system. Or come during the weekend and the owner will be on site to cut down the tree.)
Variety: Blue spruce, Fraser fir
Price: $25
What to know: This family-owned business was started in 1957, and the owner says he’s not in it to get rich. The price is the same whether the customer cuts down the tree on a weekday or an employee cuts it down on the weekend. Some trees are as tall as 12 feet.
Conklin’s Corner Antique & Gift Barn
Location: 670 Tyrone Pike, Philipsburg
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; noon to 8 p.m., Sunday
Variety: Concolor fir, Fraser fir
Price: $25
What to know: These pre-cut trees are all fresh-cut and locally grown. More are provided every few days, so don’t be discouraged if it seems as if few trees remain.
Evergreen Ridge LLC
Location: 1503 Dix Run Road, Julian
Hours: Open until 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday
Variety: Not specified
Price: $40
What to know: This cut-your-own-tree farm hopes to be open until Christmas eve. Wreaths are also available here, at a cost of $25 (nondecorated) and $30 (decorated).
Harner Farm
Location: 2191 W. Whitehall Road, State College
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Variety: Blue spruce, concolor fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, white pine
Price: $10 per foot
What to know: Both pre-cut and cut-your-own trees are available, both for the same price. A shaker and wrapper are on-site and are included in the price. And wreaths and roping are also available.
Meyer Dairy
Location: 2390 S. Atherton St., State College
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Variety: Fraser fir, Douglas fir, concolor fir, Siberian, blue spruce, Canaan fir
What to know: The trees are sold by Cannizzaro Christmas Tree Shoppe, a family-run business of 15 years. The pre-cut trees were grown at Gordon Tree Farm in Stormstown and Tuckaway Tree Farm in Petersburg.
Remodelers Workshop
Location: 105 Stonecrest Drive, Bellefonte
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Variety: Blue spruce, concolor fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, white pine (upon request)
Price: $35 to $85
What to know: These local, pre-cut trees can be found in the Christmas tree lot at Remodelers Workshop. Tree stands can also be purchased here. And, for an additional fee, drilling, shaking and netting can also be done on site.
Tait Farm Trees
Location: 121 Tait Road, Centre Hall
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Variety: Canaan fir, Fraser fir (limited), silver fir (pre-cut only)
Price: $50 to $100, depending on size. (Pre-cut and cut-your-own are same price.)
What to know: Tait Farm Trees is technically separate from Tait Farm Foods, but the two are right next to one another and impossible to miss. Trees over 8-feet tall are already sold out, and those intent on buying a tree here might want to act quickly. Ornaments and centerpieces are also sold here, in addition to wreaths that range from $28 to $60. (Bundled greens are also available for those interested in making their own wreaths.)
Triangle Building Supplies
Location: 1076 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Variety: Blue spruce, concolor fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir
What to know: All trees are pre-cut and locally grown, with most between 6 and 7 feet tall. Triangle Building Supplies also serves as a drop-off point for “Toys for Tots.”
Notes around the county
Tuckaway Tree Farm, just outside Centre County in Petersburg, was purchased just last year — so it will not have a Christmas tree supply until 2022. It is selling wreaths for $49, however. ... Kuhns Tree Farm in Boalsburg already sold its entire inventory of trees and closed for the season effective Dec. 5.
This story was originally published December 2, 2021 at 4:11 PM.
