Discover Delmarva: Nichols Tree Farm
HEBRON, Md—Nichols Tree Farm in Hebron is locally owned and operated by Bruce Nichols. For over 50 years, he has offered a wealth of knowledge and expertise for a holiday staple: “We offer Christmas Trees; Usually, we plant them, and it takes up to sixteen years for them to mature,” says Nichols.
Their unique scent, shape, and size offer a wide range of species. Nichols tells us there are many differences with the trees “There are sixteen different varieties that we grow. And some of them are native.” Some of the native trees include White Pines, Red Cedar, and Virginia Pine.
If you’re searching for non-native trees, Nichols searches far and wide to acquire them “A lot of the species we grow here, we travel all over the world to find.” Some of the non-native trees they offer include- the Turkish fir, the Korean fir, and the Japanese fir. This allows him to experiment and see which species are best equipped to be more resistant to local diseases.
Nichols tells WMDT about their biggest issues with growing the trees. “The fungus disease is our biggest worry as far as disease. The trumpeter vine is our nemesis as far as weeds.” The fungus can kill a tree within months of infection. While the weed tends to grow around the tree and could strangle it.
The continued drought in Delmarva hasn’t posed a major issue for the trees. The farm is well equipped to handle the dry conditions with its trickle irrigation system throughout the fields. Over saturation limits the oxygen available for the root system and creates the perfect environment for the killer fungus.
Nichols tells us, there are a few issues from wildlife as well “Basically it’s the white-tailed deer, but it’s tree-specific, otherwise, it only affects certain varieties. The white pine they rub their velvet on it, and they try to remove it,” says Nichols. This may leave bite marks or damage on the trees.
On the inside, Nichols farm has an impressive collection of another Christmas-time plant ready to kick off the season “We do have a lot of cactus. Christmas cactuses which are probably down in pots.” These native jungle plants are used to help brighten up the holidays! Out in their greenhouse is a wide collection of plants from yuletide to baby saplings that will one day become the future Christmas trees.
While picking out any of their products you may hear or see some other visitors on the farm “Foals and different things like that, small mammals that are in you may even see turtles, but the bald eagles are probably their favorite.”
Nichols says all trees cost forty-five dollars no matter their shape or size. They also grow their popcorn on the farm, offering both caramel and regular making this a great treat during your visit.
Their address is 25248 Rewastico Road, in Hebron Maryland, you can also give them a call at (443)-523-2217.
