The PATCHEN California Christmas Tree Farms have expanded their recycling operation by including two locations in the Santa Cruz Mountains where anyone can drop off discarded REAL Christmas trees, FAKE Christmas trees, or tree lights & ornaments. Since 1969, PATCHEN has pioneered a cultural practice that “reuses” the tree stumps. Owner Jim Beck explains how to cut trees, leaving a whorl of branches on the stump. “This keeps the root system alive so it can grow another tree, ready to harvest in five to eight years.”
Beck maintains a succession of trees at different stages of growth. “It is even more than tree preservation. If we were to clear-cut an area, the next big storm would wash away the topsoil, not to mention the lost animal habitat.”
The farms’ sustainable practices include:
- Wood chips replace herbicide for weed control and conserves soil moisture
- Integrated Pest Management:
Trapping gophers (no poison)
Keeping trees healthy and resistant to insects
Redirecting deer migration paths - Natural fertilizers such as manure and composted garden waste
- No artificial heating in the farm buildings
- LED lights reduce energy usage
- Repairing and recycling tools for decades of reuse
- Newly planted seedlings are hand-irrigated to conserve water
- Stump-culture generates new trees from old stumps
- Recycling of:
Tree branches for mulch
Cups, bottles and cans left by customers
Christmas trees (REAL or FAKE)
Christmas lights, ornaments, etc.
Abandoned Kids & Pets recycled as Elves & Reindeer
Since 1969, PATCHEN – named for the historic 19th century town – has been enjoyed by thousands of families for annual nostalgic trips to the forest to cut Christmas trees. Beck says that many families have surpassed their 30-year anniversaries as customers and some families now bring their third generation to visit. According to Beck, “although most come to cut trees, some just come for our famous handmade wreaths or just to enjoy a picnic at one of many picnic sites among the trees. We invite returning guests to come year-around for a picnic or just to walk in the trees.””
Contact:
Jim Beck, Owner ( Jim@PatchenCalifornia.com )
PATCHEN California
22217 Old Santa Cruz Hwy
Los Gatos, CA 95033
www.PatchenCalifornia.com