When Justin Pritts married his wife, Tanya, he had one condition: “We will have a real Christmas tree.”

Tanya came from a “fake tree family.” Justin grew up cutting a fresh tree from Country Pines Tree Farm near Marcus in northwest Iowa. “I’ve done that my entire life and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the tradition,” says Justin.

Tanya complied. “My wife joined the 'real side,' and my kids have only known real trees,” continues Justin. So their next move just seemed natural.

When Country Pines Tree Farm, started in 1990 by Neal and Marie Bork, was up for sale, the Prittses took on the venture.

Now in year five, they can’t imagine life without the holiday rush and the Christmas smiles. With intense full-time jobs off the farm, as Cherokee County emergency management coordinator and an X-ray technician, Justin and Tanya find the Christmas tree business both demanding and rewarding. 

“In our jobs, we often see people under stress or in pain,” says Justin. “This is our recharge and rewind.”


Christmas spirit doesn’t happen by accident

“There were a lot of things Neal and Marie didn’t tell us when we were courting,” jokes Justin, even though they stayed involved for a year after the sale for coaching. “They focused on teaching us the important stuff, like shearing, planting and the business end. They didn’t dwell on the year-round mowing and insect and weed control.”

When the Christmas rush is on, the farm becomes a family affair with the kids, age 21 and 17, jumping in to help. Justin’s mom is recruited as chief greeter.

Justin and his father-in-law built Santa’s cabin. Buried in the “woods,” it provides a tree-wandering surprise and hosts Santa and sometimes Mrs. Claus. “It’s a neat setting that lets kids get the whole experience,” says Justin, “and we don’t charge for photos like at the mall. You’re free to take your own.” 

Country Pines offers four varieties of trees: Scotch pine, Fraser, Balsam and Canaan fir. You can get your tree natural or flocked (pre-order).

The Scotch pines have long needles and are well established on the farm as cut-your-own trees. Short-needle trees like the fir varieties have been a challenge to grow, but Country Pines is experimenting to expand availability. Because of soil conditions, they take longer to grow. They have had some luck with Douglas fir. “They come from the Pacific Northwest and are actually from the pine family. They take a lot of care but do well in our soil.” 

To meet demand, they bring in around 200 pre-cut Fraser, Balsam and Canaan fir trees from northern Wisconsin each year. 

They then take the extra step to make those trees part of the experience. Trees are tied upright to T-posts to show off their size and shape, as well as provide a “forest” experience. Santa’s cabin sits in the midst of them. 

The remaining 4.5 acres of trees are naturally grown. “We give you the full 'lay on the ground and cut the trunk with a handsaw while your family watches the tree fall onto the ground' experience,” says Justin.

Once the tree is cut, there is a cart to take the tree to the main barn, where staff shake it to remove loose needles and debris and tag it for purchase. 

Then you and your family, with your tree, are escorted across the road to have your photo taken in front of the farm’s fully restored 1949 red GMC five-window pick-up with an oak stock rack. Photos are uploaded to the farm’s SmugMug account, where they can be accessed and downloaded from the farm website at no charge, or you can use your own device.

Then it’s back across the road to where the tree is net-wrapped for travel. The purchase includes a throw-away bag for disposal. “And we’ll even tie it to the roof of your station wagon for you,” says Justin.

PICTURED ABOVE: Justin and Tanya Pritts, owners. PHOTO BY CONRAD SCHMIDT


Gift shop goodies

In the middle of all that sits the gift shop, filled with holiday treats and decorations.

“Mom is there at the door to welcome you in from the cold with hot chocolate and cookies,” says Justin, adding she will want to know where you are from and how you heard about them. “We’ve all become license plate watchers,” he says. Guests have been spotted from Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska as well as all parts of Iowa. 

“It’s a great get-away and Christmas experience. The farm is easy to get to, just a couple miles off the pavement from two directions, yet out in the wide open farmland.”

The on-site gift shop is its own experience. “You could say my wife specializes in the beautification of Christmas,” says Justin.

Among the various decorative items, you will find themed porch pots and centerpieces. Military, law enforcement, hunting, collegiate or the theme of your choice are honored in ready-made and special order pots for your home or porch. 

There are wreaths, swags, log deer and homemade fire starters. They carry the Candleberry line of candles, as well as Country Pines Tree Farm merch.

Their cemetery wreath saddles are popular and available for delivery in the farm’s vicinity, with a photo of the placed decoration sent to the family.

The shop also sells what Justin calls a “save your marriage” tree stand that is easy to set up. “One person holds the tree, and one pulls on the rope,” he explains. “It’s simple as can be.” Trees can also be drilled for a pin-style stand.

The hot chocolate, cider and cookies are free.

Aside from the vintage truck, photo opps dot the farm, including a 1800s sleigh.

“We give you the whole experience,” says Justin. 

And the Prittses will enjoy the experience as much as you do. “There’s nothing better than watching someone cut their first tree and start a new tradition,” says Justin. 

But you don’t have to be a new customer to get a thrill. “It’s a wild rush seeing the smiles on people’s faces and the spirit of Christmas in a kid’s eyes.”