Pine Hollow Christmas Tree Farm under new ownership
Bryon Haupt says working on a Christmas tree farm is in his blood.
“There’s nothing like a fresh-cut Christmas tree,” Haupt said. “I want to create lasting memories like I have, and see those expressions on kids’ faces.”
Haupt grew up next to Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Leighton, Pa., where the Botek family has grown Christmas trees for generations.
“I started working there in high school and continued through college,” he said. “My brother still works there.”
When a friend told him Pine Hollow owners Fred and Shelly Sposato were thinking of retiring, he asked for an introduction.
“Fred was looking to pass the torch,” Haupt said. “This farm has been a staple in the community. We want to continue that and do what we can to make it even better.”
Haupt said the tree farm will open on Black Friday, Nov. 23, with thousands of Douglas and Canaan firs grown on-site to choose from. Fresh-cut Fraser firs will come from National Champion Growers Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Pennsylvania and Smokey Holler Tree Farm in North Carolina.
“Crystal Spring has put trees in the White House five times,” Haupt said. “We’re not getting our first shipment till the Monday before we open. Our trees will be the freshest quality, and we will not run out of trees.”
Balled and burlap blue spruce trees, fresh wreaths and garland will also be available. Haupt said he can special-order large trees over 10 feet.
“If you don’t see something here, I can get it,” he said, noting tagging will no longer be an option. “We can order anything quickly.”
A Delaware State Police officer stationed at Troop 7 in Lewes, Haupt said for every tree sold, $1 will go toward Camp Barnes, a nonprofit summer camp run by state police every summer. Military and first responders will receive a 5 percent discount on all trees Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9.
“Giving back to the community is important to us,” Haupt said. “We’ve had overwhelming support and help from our community and look forward to giving back.”
Haupt said food trucks will be on-site, and he hopes to create a fire pit and other amenities.
“We want to create lasting family traditions and make coming here a great experience for everyone.”
Pine Hollow Tree Farm will be open 9 a.m. to dusk, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 23 through Christmas. Credit cards will now be accepted in addition to cash or check. Pine Hollow Tree Farm is at 16109 Hudson Road in Milton. Go to pinehollowtrees.com.
