Christmas Tree Farmer Discloses His Top Tree Variety Choice
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Christmas-tree-farmer-justus-bischoff-110725-1-84d5bfd9704a4234a2253aca147540eb.jpg)
Justus Bischoff, a young Christmas tree farmer hailing from Oregon, has captured the hearts of nearly 60,000 followers on TikTok through his engaging videos showcasing his life on the farm. From the early morning farm shifts to snippets of his work outfits and even a sneak peek into his clothing line, Bischoff has created a buzz in the social media sphere. This festive season, Bischoff shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about his Christmas tree expertise and offered valuable tips for shoppers, including his ultimate favourite tree variety.
At just 22 years old, Bischoff has been immersed in the world of Christmas trees for the past five years, meticulously scouring acres of fields every summer to select the finest trees for the upcoming holiday season. His daily routine involves chopping trees, loading trucks, and assisting families in cutting down their perfect Christmas tree on his farm. Despite the unusual nature of his profession, Bischoff remains passionate and dedicated to his work, sharing, “People are always like, ‘What are you doing? Like, what? You’re working at a Christmas tree farm in July?’ And we’re like, ‘Yep.’ And then we tell the same story.”
Driven by his brother’s encouragement, who is also a Christmas tree farmer, Bischoff embarked on a journey to document and share his experiences on social media. His TikTok account has become a hub for all things Christmas trees, attracting a large following fascinated by the intricacies of tree farming. Bischoff’s transparency and authenticity have resonated with viewers, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes life of a Christmas tree farmer.
When it comes to valuable advice for Christmas tree shoppers, Bischoff emphasises the importance of proper tree maintenance, particularly watering. He highlights the simplicity of this practice, noting that many individuals overlook the necessity of keeping the tree hydrated. Bischoff shares, “Most of the time, trees will last a really long time if you water them regularly.” He underscores the significance of maintaining a well-hydrated tree throughout the holiday season for optimal longevity and freshness, recounting instances where trees thrived even after Christmas due to consistent watering.
For those on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, Bischoff recommends scouting around Thanksgiving weekend for prime selections. Despite the bustling atmosphere during this period, he assures that choosing a tree around this time ensures vibrancy and minimal needle shedding till the end of December. As shoppers embark on their tree selection journey, Bischoff advises inspecting the tree up close, checking for fallen needles and assessing the overall health of the branches. While quality is generally uniform across trees in the US, Bischoff assures that any choice is likely to be of good quality.
At his farm, Bischoff primarily works with three distinct Christmas tree varieties: Douglas fir, noble fir, and Nordmann fir. Expressing his preference for Nordmann trees, Bischoff explains, “They’ve got the stronger branches. They’re a bit darker of a green. I have to go with Nordmann — I really prefer the Nordmann trees.” Reflecting on a memorable experience, Bischoff recounts how his brother once identified their coveted tree during summer, driving 40 minutes to cut it down and bring it home ahead of the festive season.
In the realm of Christmas tree farming, Justus Bischoff epitomises passion, dedication, and a keen eye for quality. His journey from the fields of Oregon to the screens of TikTok has seamlessly intertwined tradition with digital storytelling, captivating audiences and imparting valuable insights along the way. As the holiday season approaches, Bischoff’s expertise serves as a guiding light for shoppers seeking the perfect Christmas tree, ensuring a joyful and festive celebration for all.
The spirit of Christmas shines bright through individuals like Bischoff, whose unwavering commitment to his craft illuminates the essence of the holiday season. Amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer, his story reminds us of the magic found in the simplicity of selecting and caring for a Christmas tree, symbolising tradition, unity, and the spirit of giving. Justus Bischoff’s tree wisdom resonates beyond the fields of Oregon, kindling a renewed appreciation for the timeless tradition of adorning homes with nature’s evergreen beauty.