Tucked into the tranquil countryside of Montgomery County, PA, Bustard’s Christmas Tree Farm has stood for nearly a century as a symbol of seasonal spirit and enduring family tradition. Since 1929, this 50-acre farm in Lansdale has helped families celebrate Christmas with handpicked evergreens and heartfelt memories.

Today, this Christmas kingdom is run by Glenn Bustard, the third generation to take up the family’s legacy. Though technically a grandson, Glenn jokes he’s a “great” grandson – not by genealogy, but by his deep connection to the land and the legacy behind it.

“It’s more than just trees, it’s tradition,” he said. “We’ve had families coming here for generations. They brought their kids and now those kids are bringing theirs.”

Bustard’s farm boasts a beautiful range of conifers that would make even Santa stop in his tracks. The tree lineup includes Fraser, Douglas, Nordmann, Turkish, Concolor, Balsam and grand firs and blue spruce. Of these, the fragrant Fraser and Douglas firs are consistent customer favorites, beloved for their rich scent, strong branches and longevity indoors.

Each tree is grown with patience and precision. It can take up to 10 years for a fir to mature to a desirable height for harvesting. That means every holiday season represents years of careful cultivation.

Bustard’s also takes pride in its pre-cut options, offering trees grown in their own fields or freshly harvested from their second farm in the Poconos to ensure top-notch freshness.

The farm operates its retail and tree-cutting services from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, during which time Glenn takes on about 30 seasonal employees. These cheerful workers help with everything from hauling trees to preparing them for travel, trimming trunks, shaking off debris and baling them for easier transportation.

But Christmas tree farming isn’t just a December delight. Glenn is hard at work year-round, ensuring the health of the soil, planting new trees, shaping existing ones and managing pests and disease.

“Farming Christmas trees is long-term work,” Glenn explained. “The decisions you make today shape what kind of Christmas seasons you’ll have five, seven, even 10 years from now.”

Climate & Cultivation: Adapting to the Elements

Last year the farm faced an extremely dry growing season. Many growers across the country reported significant losses, but Bustard’s fared better than most. Thanks to well-established soil practices and careful monitoring, tree losses were minimal.

“This year’s season started much better,” said Glenn. “We had good spring rain for transplants. We were able to clear a field of stumps, till the soil and conduct soil tests and add nutrients if needed. We then had loose ground for our transplants to take root in.”

Soil health is central to Glenn’s strategy. By analyzing nutrient levels and maintaining tilled, well-aerated fields, Bustard’s gives each tree its best start. Mulch rings are placed at the base of younger trees to help retain moisture and reduce weed competition – crucial steps during drier summer months.

Still, pests and diseases pose perennial threats. One of the biggest concerns for Douglas firs is needle cast, a fungus that causes premature needle drop and can wreak havoc in wet weather.

“Needle cast likes it wet,” Glenn warned. “I recommend spraying in the spring and keeping the grass around the trees very low to promote airflow and dryness.”

By staying proactive and promoting airflow beneath the tree canopy, Bustard’s minimizes fungal spread and ensures the Douglas firs stay as full and festive as they’re meant to be.

From Lansdale to the Nation’s Capital

Glenn’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bustard’s Christmas trees have repeatedly taken top honors in both state and national contests. In 2015, one of their Fraser firs, a majestic 18.5-footer, was named Grand Champion by the National Christmas Tree Association. That title earned them the distinction of supplying the official White House Christmas Tree for the Blue Room.

Decorated with messages to American service members, the tree was a heartfelt tribute as well as a national centerpiece.

In 2024, the farm’s excellence was once again recognized when Glenn’s 11-foot entry earned Reserve Champion honors. That tree was placed as the official Christmas tree at the Vice President’s residence.

“It’s an incredible honor,” he said. “It’s something we’re proud of.”

Beyond the trees themselves, Bustard’s offers a host of holiday décor and services at its bustling retail location on Bustard Road. Families can browse handmade wreaths, roping, centerpieces, grave blankets and other seasonal greenery, all crafted with care on site.

Bustard’s also prioritizes customer convenience. With staff available to help with tree selection, trimming, baling and loading, the experience is designed to be as smooth as it is spirited. The farm even offers tree drilling for those with pin-style tree stands, a service appreciated by anyone who’s struggled to get a tree to stand straight.

The location is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the Christmas season, ensuring ample opportunity for families to find their ideal fir.

One of the most heartwarming parts of the Bustards’ operation is its participation in the Trees for Troops program. In partnership with the Christmas Spirit Foundation, the farm donates trees to military families across the country. Customers can contribute by purchasing trees at a discounted rate to be included in the donations.

“It’s a nice way of giving back,” he said. “Especially around the holidays, it means a lot to us to help bring some joy to families who are serving or separated.”

Rooted in the Past, Growing Toward the Future

As Bustard’s nears its 100th anniversary, Glenn remains humble and hopeful. The farm has endured through wars, weather, economic shifts and generational change, but its core mission remains as strong as its sturdiest spruce: to offer a joyful, meaningful experience for families each holiday season.

“There’s a lot of patience involved in the Christmas tree business,” reflected Glenn. “You have to care for the trees, the land and the people in your community. But when you do it right, it’s rewarding.”

In a time when many traditions are fading, Bustard’s Christmas Tree Farm stands firm, an evergreen institution grounded in family, fueled by community and growing stronger with every passing year.

For more information visit BustardsChristmasTrees.com.