Are you looking for a socially distanced holiday experience in the crisp winter air? Then you might want to head over to Maple Row Farm and meander through the farm’s 200 acres of land in search of the perfect Christmas tree.
Scott Edwards, an eight-generation farmer at Maple Row Farm, said the tree farm opened a week early this year on Nov. 21 and the sales of Christmas trees have been brisk.
“It’s a wonderful way to usher in the holiday and there is plenty of room on the farm for families,” he said.
The farm is family, pet and kid-friendly. But because of increased Covid-19 cases in the state, customers are asked to keep tailgating within state guidelines for group sizes and gatherings. Mask wearing is mandatory. Customers are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
Edwards said that for those concerned about Covid-19, the best time to visit the farm is during the week when the farm is peaceful, there are fewer people and activities, and trees are discounted.
Originally a dairy farm, Maple Row Farm has been in Easton since the 1700s. The family began growing Christmas trees in the 1950s and today sells a selection of trees ranging from Balsam Fir to Norway Spruce. Customers can cut their own trees on weekends, starting at $87, or they can purchase pre-cut trees.
The farm has fostered family traditions for years. Bella Criscullo of Easton has worked on the farm for four years and said she loves seeing people come from far away to get their trees. The farm draws customers from Westchester and Fairfield County.
Maple Row Farm is among many Christmas tree farms in Easton, which has earned the town the designation of the “Christmas Tree Capital of Connecticut.
Easton resident Julia Shapiro is working on the farm this season. “It’s just an amazing environment and a great way to spread the holiday spirit,” she said.
With Christmas still weeks away, farm workers recommend cutting a quarter-inch or more from the base of the tree before bringing it home and to be sure to water it frequently. If the tree runs out of water, the base will need to be re-cut.
For more information on the Maple Row Farm and its hours of operation visit the website by clicking here.
People can also tag, cut and bring home a Christmas tree from one of the other local farms in Easton.
Ganim Tree Farm at 128 Center Road.
Sabia Tree Farm at 772 Morehouse Road.
Slady’s Christmas Tree Farm at 65 Orchard Lane.
Everett’s Corner Tree Farm at 128 Sherwood Road is closed this holiday season
Keneally Farm at 290 Silver Hill Road
If cutting your own Christmas Tree farm is not on your list, you can pick up a pre-cut tree at Sherwood, Sport Hill or Silverman’s farm.
Photo at top: The tractor rides remain a popular way of traversing the farm. — Tomas Koeck Photo
