For more than four decades, the Harman family has been growing and selling Christmas trees on their northeast Indianola farm, providing a central Iowa destination where families can enjoy the time-honored tradition of cutting down their own fresh tree for the holiday season.

What began as a simple desire to cover the north side of their homestead with a viable windbreak of pine and walnut trees has grown into a 40-acre woodland filled with Canaan, Fraser and Concolor firs, along with white and Scotch pines sprinkled throughout.

Walnut Ridge Farm has become a staple for thousands of holiday shoppers searching for that perfect Christmas tree or wreath each year. It’s been an adventure for the Harman family — Gary and Jane, along with their son Todd and his wife, Jen — who have operated the Christmas tree farm since 1977 after moving to Indianola and purchasing an acreage east of town in 1976.

“We planted the first trees in the spring of 1977,” Gary recalls, “and we sold the first trees in 1983. Didn’t really start out thinking we’d be in the Christmas tree business … just wanted to plant that windbreak and also wanted to plant walnut trees, which had been a long-time hope or desire.”

Hence the name Walnut Ridge. The acreage sits on a hill, open to the north and west.

“We started small … ordered seedlings from a state nursery and planted 500 walnut trees, and along the north side planted some pine trees,” Gary explained.

As the trees grew, so did interest from the public. When the pines reached 4 and 5 feet tall, everyone seemed to notice that the perfect Christmas tree was now just steps away on the edge of town.

“Neighbors and friends asked if they could come grab one,” Gary said. “So we said sure … They were happy and they told their friends, and then we had more and more people come … and we kept planting more. Moved to the 40 acres where we are today and have continued to grow.”

Today, Walnut Ridge is home to 40,000 trees — about 1,000 per acre — covering a fourth of the 160-acre farm, which also raises corn and soybeans. 

Upwards of 8,000 to 10,000 people visit each year.

“Third and fourth generations come and get a tree … It has become a tradition for many families,” Gary said. “We see many of the same people each year … I enjoy seeing everyone coming to get their trees. It’s a fun activity … a family activity.”

PICTURED ABOVE: Gary and Jane Harman, along with their son Todd and his wife, Jen, have operated the Christmas tree farm since 1977 near Indianola. The first trees were ready for purchase in 1983. PHOTO / CONRAD SCHMIDT


Simple and fun

Walnut Ridge’s appeal lies in the experience it offers — picking the perfect tree. The Harmans have kept their approach simple by design, focusing on quality trees and friendly service. 

Open for only 17 days during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, most of the customer traffic comes in that first weekend after Thanksgiving, Gary said. “That first 10 days gets 85% of the business,” he said.

The farm provides saws for cutting and two-wheel carts to help folks bring their trees in from the grove. Families often take pride in cutting their own tree, using the saws and carts provided, preferring to do the work themselves as part of the experience.

Seasonal staff help shake, net and load the trees for transport.

The most sought-after trees these days are the Fraser, Canaan and Concolor firs, although the pines are seeing a resurgence in popularity, said Gary.

Greenery also is a big hit with customers. 

“We make our own greenery … collect our own pine cones … paint the cones and put wires on them,” Gary explained. “We use about two-thirds of a mile of ribbon each year to make bows for the greenery. I think we use a little more than 100 trees a year just for the greenery.”

Customer interaction remains a top priority. “Mainly I greet everyone these days … I like to visit with everyone,” Gary said. “Many people we get to see only once at this time of year.”

Memories are made at the farm. Gov. Kim Reynolds and her family have made numerous trips to Walnut Ridge over the years to pick their favorite trees, and the farm has provided Christmas trees for former governors Terry Branstad, Chet Culver, Tom Vilsack and Reynolds for display at the governor’s office, the Capitol and the Wallace Building.

Gary said there have been a few marriage proposals during the holiday seasons, and families routinely take their annual Christmas photos among the trees. He recalls the time one young couple locked their keys in their pickup — and, believe it or not, Gary’s Chevy pickup key unlocked their truck, saving them a call to the police or local dealer.

“There are so many stories to tell,” he said.

Walnut Ridge has always been a family-centered operation — from planting and caring for the trees to sales at year’s end. “It’s me and Jane, my son Todd and his wife, Jen,” said Gary. Jane enjoys creating the greenery, Todd is instrumental in helping Gary with planting, shearing and the business operation, and Jen helps during the holiday season greeting customers at checkout when everyone pitches in.

Now 80 years old, Gary said it’s hard to believe it has been four decades since they planted those first trees on the acreage. He has no plans to scale back or settle down. 

“It’s a great business … and I’ll do this as long as I can,” Gary said. “It’s a service to the community … and we’ve been fortunate to be a part of it.”