For families who enjoy cutting their own Christmas tree, taking a few photos with Santa and sipping hot cider, Country Pines LLC might be your holiday destination. The Wright City farm is located at …
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Plan your Christmas tree adventure
Posted
By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
For families who enjoy cutting their own Christmas tree, taking a few photos with Santa and sipping hot cider, Country Pines LLC might be your holiday destination.The Wright City farm is located at 14533 W. Highway M.Allan Wehrman, the “head tree wrangler” and brainchild behind Country Pines, will welcome customers beginning Saturday, Nov. 19.The “cut your own” tree farm and big red country barn will be open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 1-5 p.m. through Dec. 18.“It began as a sideline to help out with the farm,” said Wehrman.“We started in the ’70s with 1,000 trees. I’ve always enjoyed growing things. It fit good with farming.”It took 10 years for his first trees to be ready for cutting. Wehrman will replant trees each year to replace those chosen by his customers for their special decorated tree.Wehrman said he likes to trim bushes and trees and discovered he has a knack for it. That’s fortunate because the White and Scotch pines he grows have to be shaped up all year-round to stay in the traditional Christmas tree shape.Normally, Wehrman farms nearly 600 acres of corn, beans and wheat. He said on a rainy day when he can’t farm, he can always walk to the 11-acre tree farm and work on his trees.In addition to the pines he grows, Wehrman ships Fraser firs from the Smoky Mountains to add to his inventory. Trees are sold by the foot and tend to cost from $40 to $50. Wehrman’s crew will shake your tree for loose needles and wrap it in netting for safe travel to your home.Most of Wehrman’s customers enjoy cutting their own trees as a family tradition each year. Or, customers can choose a pre-cut Fraser fir.Trees range from 4 to 11 feet tall. Wehrman’s “tree wrangling elves” will help you secure your tree to your vehicle.Wehrman is anxious for this holiday season. His customers tend to return each year, gathering in the 1,600-square-foot heated barn filled with holiday decorations, candies, homemade cookies and holiday cheer. Enjoy free hot cinnamon apple cider or the special recipe Country Pines rich hot chocolate.“Santa and Mrs. Claus will be here on weekends,” he said. “Bring all your friends.”There are an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 trees sold each year at Country Pines. Fresh live wreaths and pine roping are also available. The barn gift shop offers a large variety of ornaments, tree skirts, tree toppers and mantle decorations.For more information about Country Pines, visit their website at countrypinesllc.com, call 636-745-0653, or check them out on Facebook @CountryPines1984.
Allan Wehrman of Country Pines LLC in Wright City will open his Christmas tree farm and gift shop Saturday, Nov. 19. Wehrman has been selling trees since 1984. He offers White and Scotch pine and Fraser firs. Cindy Gladden photo.
