Various sizes, varieties of trees offered at Fritsche's Farm

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Gene and Rose Fritsche say their Christmas Tree Farm has flourished. Besides offering the fresh-cut trees, the Fritsches offer wagon rides, hot chocolate, and plenty of memory-making opportunities. -- Staff photo by Taylor

Dec. 9, 2004 - When Rose and Gene Fritsche of Lincoln decided to raise Christmas trees almost 15 years ago, the idea was presented to them by a local Extension agent. He told the couple there was "good money in it," and since the Fritsches were looking at sending their three children to college, the "extra" money would come in handy.

Well, although the business has flourished, it didn't happen quite soon enough to put the kids through college, but it has given Rose and Gene many hours of enjoyment over the years. Trees planted in 1989 were ready to be sold by 1994, and every year since then ... except for two when Gene injured his back in an accident ... the Fritsches have planted around 1,000 new trees each year.

According to Gene, it takes about four to six years for a tree to grow to the height of six to seven feet, the average size customers are looking for; although lately, people have been looking for even taller, larger trees, he said.

"Lots of tree farmers are having trouble keeping large trees," noted Gene. He and Rose agreed that with people building new homes with higher ceilings, it has created changes to the Christmas tree market.

Their "bigger" trees, like a 15-footer, usually go to churches or outdoor exhibits. The trees planted at the Fritsche's farm include Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress. While the Virginia Pine is an "old stand-by," said Gene, the Leyland Cypress does not produce pollen, which makes it ideal for those with allergies who still love a "real" tree. They also have pre-cut Fraser Furs between five- and eight-feet tall.

While they do have some non-family employees, the Fritsches depend on their children and some older grandchildren to help with the planting in January and the "twice yearly" trimming in May to June and August to September. Rose explained that by planting the trees in January, it gives them (trees) the opportunity to "get established" by the time the heat and humidity arrives in the late spring.

At the start of each selling season, the farm offers around 3,000 trees of various sizes. Of course, some are new trees and too small for this year's tree buyers, but there are plenty to give customers a good choice.

As if all the hard work involved in raising the Christmas trees isn't enough work for this ambitious couple, during the holiday season, they offer visitors hay rides around the property and a craft shop where they have a selection of fresh and artificial wreaths, tree stands, homemade jelly and preserves, barn wood items, tin pictures and many other items.

Gene Fritsche uses a machine to shake needles from one of the harvested trees. -- Staff photo by Taylor

Opening the Friday after Thanksgiving each year, Gene said this year was "one of the best openings we've ever had!" In spite of the bad weather and heavy rains during Thanksgiving week, it didn't keep people from coming out, even in the mud, he said.

While each of them admits there is a lot of hard work in the tree farm, along with a working cattle ranch, each said they wouldn't have it any other way. Rose recently joined Gene in "retirement," which just means she will have more time for her crafts and helping more with the trees.

Gene said it is worth all the hard work just to "see the little children get all excited!" With a number of "photo opportunities," families love coming out in the country and cutting their own trees, enjoying a hay ride and hot chocolate. It's not just finding the right tree ... it's making memories for future generations ... and that's something the Fritsches are happy to be a part of.

(For more information: 979-542-3452 or www.bluebon.net/fritsche)