5767 FOX LAKE ROAD, GOODRICH, MI

TOP HILL FARMS INC.
U-CUT CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Services / Information

(248) 627-2764
tophillfarms@hotmail.com

Tree Information

Selecting Your Tree:​

Tree Size:
Head out to the field and select the tree that fits your predetermined needs. Check the trunk to be sure that it is sufficiently straight. Keep in mind that pines will usually have, at least, some crook in their trunks. Also check that the tree has a sufficiently long handle to accommodate your stand.

Needles:
In the fall of the year ALL conifers drop or shed a certain portion of their oldest needles. This is a normal part of the life cycle of the tree and occurs because the tree is preparing itself for winter. Most farms provide shaking or blowing services so that you will depart with a perfectly clean tree.

Cutting Down Your Tree:
Cutting the tree is easiest as a two person project. The "cutter downer" usually lies on the ground. While the helper holds the bottom limbs up. While the cut is being made, the helper should tug on the tree lightly to ensure that the saw remains open and the saw does not bind. The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite the cut.

Transportation:
Bring the tree to the closest warming house, our employee will tag your tree with your request for wrapping/drilling and give you the stub. If you find a tree in one of the fields downhill from a warming shed contact the employee at the nearest shed,  we can arrange pickup in the field. Then we transport it to processing area near the main warming house. When your tree arrives at the processing area it will be processed according to the tag on it.  You take your tag stub into the main warming house for payment. REMINDER:  WE ACCEPT CASH OR CHECK ONLY. It will be mechanically shaken to clean the old needles out and then netted (if you chose this) Netting makes transporting and handling the tree substantially easier.
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Our Services:

We offer the following services:

  • Bow Saw
  • Tree baling   
  • Tree drilling  
  • Tree shaking ( to remove loose needles)  
  • Drill stands   
  • Wreaths   
  • Twine available for your use in tying your tree on. We also have rachet straps available for sale.  Due to insurance liability we cannot tie your tree on, but we can help you get it on top of your car for you to tie it on.

How to Care for Your Farm-Grown Christmas Tree

When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree. Below are a number of tips on caring for your tree:

  1. Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
  2. Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
  3. Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
  4. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
  5. To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
  6. Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
  7. Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
  8. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
  9. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
  10. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does NOT improve water uptake.
  11. Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
  12. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
  13. Do not overload electrical circuits.
  14. Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
  15. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
  16. Visit the Tree Recycling page to find a recycling program near you.
  17. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.

Source:  the National Christmas Tree Association
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​Other Tips:

For additional and other tips including how to recycle your christmas tree,
​visit the National Christmas Tree Association website at http://www.realchristmastrees.org,