20 Years of Christmas Tree Memories at Johnson Family Farm
When Andy Johnson and his wife Jennafer bought 40 acres of land outside Joplin, Missouri, they didn’t have a plan beyond wanting a little space and perhaps a project they could work on together. Neither had an agricultural background but both loved the tradition of cutting down a live Christmas tree.
“There weren’t many farms like that in our area,” Andy said. “We thought, why not try it?”
That decision evolved into what's now the Johnson Family Farm, celebrating its 20th year and still living up to its motto: “Creating memories one tree at a time.”
Growing a Family Tradition
The couple planted their first trees by hand, learning through research, trial and a lot of help from other growers and the Christmas Tree Association. They discovered that Scotch and Virginia pines thrived best in the Missouri climate, while popular Fraser firs and spruces would need to be brought in from other states.
Each spring, Andy plants between 500 and 1,000 new trees, digging holes with the tractor and planting each one by hand. About seven acres of the property are now filled with Christmas trees, and every tagged tree on the farm is available for cutting.
“We’re always planting for the future,” he said. “It takes a lot of planning to make sure we have trees ready every season.”
After several years of growth and learning, they opened the farm to the public. Today, they typically sell around 500 trees each year, with half grown on the farm and the other half being pre-cut firs and spruces brought in from cooler climates.
Each tree variety offers something a little different. Some trees have a stronger fragrance, while others are more subtle. Their branches and shape also vary, which makes decorating a little different from one type to the next. It’s part of what makes choosing a tree so personal.
‘Tis the Season
Johnson Family Farm opens the gates the day after Thanksgiving.
“Black Friday is wild,” Andy said. “The line of cars is backed up to the highway before we even open the gate.”
Even though they’re open for only four hours that day, they sell more trees than on any other day of the season.
The farm is open just three or four weeks each year, with 10 to 12 employees helping during the busy season. Visitors can choose and cut their own tree or select from pre-cut options. The staff provides saws, wagons and friendly guidance to help guests through every step, from choosing the right tree to trimming, netting and loading it for the trip home.
Even if you’ve never cut down your own tree before, you’ll find the help you need.
“We try not to cut it for them because that’s part of the experience,” Andy said. “The memories come from doing it together. You don’t get that with a tree out of a box.”
The Full Farm Experience
Beyond trees, the farm offers hayrides, a candy cane train, hot chocolate and hot cider in the barn, where there is also a gift shop. You can purchase wreaths, ornaments and locally crafted goods. The atmosphere feels like a full holiday outing, where families take photos, kids come for field trips and everyone leaves with a little extra Christmas spirit.
The family’s two daughters also help during the Christmas season, making it truly a family business. Andy works year-round caring for the trees, while his wife handles much of the behind-the-scenes planning.
“What started as a hobby turned into a job,” Andy said. “But it’s one we love.”
A Community of Return Customers
Over the years, the Johnsons have watched families grow right alongside their trees.
“We have one family who first came here before they were married,” Andy said. “Now they come back with kids in junior high. Those same kids who were in car seats are tying trees to the roof of the car now.”
For families waiting for a college student to come home before their annual trip, you can pick out your tree early. Andy will gladly tag and hold it so it can be cut down together once everyone is back under one roof.
Looking Ahead
The Johnson Family Farm is all about Christmas trees, but once the busy holiday season wraps up, the barn is available to rent for birthdays, fall gatherings and other special events.
After the holidays, families can bring their trees back to the farm to be recycled. The Johnsons collect them in a designated area and turn them into mulch, which helps nourish the next generation of trees.
As the farm celebrates its 20th year, what began as a simple idea has grown into a cherished local tradition. Andy says the few weeks of nonstop activity each winter now feel like a natural part of life on the farm.
“We’ve grown to expect that it’ll be busy for a couple of weeks,” he said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
The farm opens each year on Black Friday, with hours shared on Facebook. They are typically open on weekends and Friday evenings, giving families plenty of opportunities to pick out their tree, sip a cup of cider and take home more than a tree.
Tips from Andy for Real Tree Care
- Make a fresh cut on the trunk before placing it in water.
- Keep your tree well-watered; it can drink over a gallon a day.
- Avoid putting the tree near sources and vents that can dry it out.
- Trees placed in south- and west-facing windows will dry out more quickly.
Contact Information:
Johnson Family Farm, 9615 County Lane 251, Webb City, Missouri
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheJohnsonsfamilyfarm
Phone: 417.529.8508
Email: bridgestonefarm@gmail.com
