Great Barrington — Fear not: The more than 30,000 Christmas trees that dot Seekonk Tree Farm’s 20-plus acres are well-versed in social distancing; each and every specimen, from Fraser fir to Canaan fir, stands 6 feet in every direction from its closest neighbor. Come Black Friday, when the Sweet family’s 42nd season selling trees begins, their chief concern will be keeping patrons out of one another’s way, for which, rest assured, they have a seamless plan in place.
“The trees know how to social distance,” Peter Sweet Jr. told The Edge in a recent interview at Lot 1, where a newly constructed farm stand needs but finishing touches. Inside, timber frame and pine boards await all the trappings that will soon fill the Christmas Shop; but the main event, so to speak, unfolds across hills and dales at the intersection of Seekonk Road and Seekonk Cross Road for miles in all directions. The farm’s moniker, which comes from the Wampanoag word for “at the outlet” or “black goose,” need not cause confusion: The Sweets are in the Christmas tree business, and each season for 30 days straight, more than 1,500 trees leave their property at an alarming rate.
This year Peter Jr. and his brother Chris Sweet, whose father started the family business as a part-time gig back in 1978 when he was an industrial arts teacher at Searles Middle School, have streamlined operations to accommodate what they anticipate to be a swift sales season. For starters, there are now three lots to choose from when planning a visit. Lot 1 (located at 49 Seekonk Road) hosts the farm stand, pre-cut trees and tall trees for tagging by appointment only (see below); Lot 2 (65 Seekonk Road) will have both pre-cut and cut-your-own trees available, as will Lot 3 (located at 35 Seekonk Cross Road). For the first time, the Sweets will offer pre-tagging of tall (9-plus-foot) trees, — for which one must register in advance here — the idea being that a tree this size likely needs four people to cut, carry, shake, trim and load onto a vehicle. “With three lots in operation this year, that’s going to be tough to handle,” said Sweet, who is pleased to offer visitors the option of in-person visits to the farm or online “shopping” and contactless pick up.
Visiting a Christmas tree farm is a family tradition for many; the Sweets take great pride in their well-groomed farm, healthy trees, gorgeous greens and friendly service. In addition to thousands of cut-you-own trees, pre-cut trees are also available. Regardless of your choice, mechanical shakers on-site shake loose debris from each tree; each base is fresh-cut and drilled (for ease of use with their foolproof tree stands), and string baling offers ease of transportation. They also boast handmade wreaths, kissing balls, roping and Seekonk Tree Farm’s own 100% Pure Massachusetts Maple Syrup (from the sugar bush located on Lot 3) from their online shop. Contactless payment is available 24/7.
The Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association, of which Seekonk Tree Farm is a member, has established the following protocols in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for customers and staff during the ongoing pandemic. Please consult them before visiting:
- For the safety of workers, access will be restricted in processing tents and retail sales areas.
- Face coverings must be worn within 6 feet of all workers and other customers or when entering buildings or near processing areas.
- The fire pits will be closed this year. Please dress for the weather.
- No dogs permitted.
- No restrooms available.
- Sanitized saws and tree carts will be available. Customers are strongly encouraged to bring their own saws (no chainsaws allowed).
- Pre-measured twine will be available and handed out upon request. Customers are strongly encouraged to bring their own twine or hold-down straps to secure their trees.
- Early pre-tagging and pick-up of taller trees is offered since they require multiple people to process.
This year, perhaps more than ever, visiting a tree farm might just be the cure for what ails you: Signs punctuating the property remind visitors, “This is a Christmas Tree Farm; feel free to breathe deeply. The trees on this farm are absorbing carbon dioxide-laden air and sending out fresh oxygenated air. Use a naturally grown tree every Christmas so that this farm can keep making clean air.” In addition to Seekonk Tree Farm, which will be open Friday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Dec. 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there are two other MCTA cut-your-own operations in the Berkshires: Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock and Crane Hill Tree Farm in Washington.
