Live trees can perk up Christmas season

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — When the Scott family decorates its Christmas tree, they have their pick of about 80,000 spread out over almost 100 acres. That’s because Doris Scott and husband Donald, are co-owners of the Scott Tree Farm in Linneus. As Doris Scott says, “It’s not Scott Tree Garden, it’s Scott Tree Farm.”
    Scott’s husband bought the farm some 15 years ago and the whole family is involved. At this time of year, Doris can be seen managing a seasonal tree stand on North St. near Maple St. for most of the day until one of her sons, Daniel Janus or Donnie, takes over so she can go home for the youngest child Amelia. “We’re a nuclear family,” she said.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
OH, CHRISTMAS TREE — Doris Scott manages a seasonal tree stand selling wreaths and Balsam fir trees grown at Scott Tree Farm in Linneus where there are, she says, about 80,000 trees.
    Their Balsam fir trees are hardy and very popular in northern Maine, according to Mrs. Scott. “They do well in the colder climate here while the Frazer firs are more often seen in southern Maine. The Balsam firs are known for their color and thicker limbs.”
    The Scott trees can also handle a trip from Maine to Manhattan. About 600 trees get shipped to New Jersey and could end up just about anywhere in the Metro New York area for resale there.    
    Mrs. Scott said there’s a lot of hard work involved in running a tree farm. “We do it because we love it.”
    While artificial trees are the choice for some, Scott says “everyone has their own personal taste. When I see an artificial tree, I say ‘it’s not the same.’” And yes, Mrs. Scott does forgive those who opt for artificial trees.”
    But, she said, nothing can compare with the look and smell of a real tree. “Customers say they love the smell. Yes, there will be needles. It’s part of the joy of having a live tree.”
    To make a live tree last as long as possible Scott said “you always have to put a fresh cut on it before you put it in a tree stand with water. Trees are like us and will scab over. If you put a fresh cut on it, the tree will absorb water better.”
    “For those who can’t, I tell people to take a serrated knife and rough it up. If, you don’t have a saw, at least do something so water can get in there.”
    This year she said instead of her usual three trees, she will only put up two since the family will gather with other relatives for Christmas in Connecticut. “I won’t put up my usual 11-foot tree this year, it will be smaller,” she said. “Amelia is waiting for Santa Claus and will have her own small tree. She’s been told ‘mom and Santa work together and mommy has to get the trees for Santa.’”
    The Scotts said they will be selling trees at North and Maple streets until Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and until 5 p.m. Sunday. Last-minute shoppers can call 592-5957 to make arrangements to get their Christmas tree.