As the holiday seasons’ festivities begin, many residents in Berks County are on the lookout for the perfect Christmas trees, festive decorations, holiday gifts and more. For generations, Plow Farms, a local family owned Christmas tree farm in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, has been a part of many families’ holiday traditions and fondest memories.
Customers can choose between its top-quality, pre-cut trees or to go out in the fields to cut their own evergreens. On select days every year, you can even have your tree delivered by a Newfoundland dog! Let’s look a little closer at Plow Farms’ storied local, history and great services that help make every customer’s season bright.
Annual Newfoundland Christmas Tree Pull
Plow Farms is run by the Berks County Eshelman family. Lindsay Eshelman said the farm was started by her parents over 40 years ago from her dad’s love of nursery stock and her mom’s love for Christmas. It is truly a family affair as Lindsay and her brother continue to help run it today, her grandmother crafts the wreaths found for sale in the shop, and even the family Newfoundlands join in on the fun.
Including Newfoundland dogs in the business wasn’t part of the initial plan, but it turned out to be one of the most distinct and unique parts of the farm. It all started when the family got their first pet Newfoundland years ago and they would hang around the farm. The family began an Annual Newfoundland Christmas Tree Pull where the working dogs are able to take part in the Christmas magic and bring the trees to the front. Typically there will be about 50 dogs at the event, Lindsay said.
This year, the event in partnership with the New Pen Del Newfoundland Club will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will be filled with Christmas trees, cart pulling, demonstrations, food, fun, fire pits, holiday photos, and of course furry friends! Bring your own friendly and leashed four-legged pal along to join in the Christmas fun.
Plow Farms & Christmas
Plow Farms provides acres of Christmas trees to choose from including Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, Douglas Firs and Blue Spruces, in addition to shade and ornamental trees. For those on the fence regarding an artificial tree versus a real tree, Lindsay said the “benefits are endless.” Not only are real trees biodegradable, but they also smell amazing, she said.
Plow Farms takes great pride in soil conservation, working diligently to ensure proper crop rotation and the annual replanting of thousands of seedlings. To make your Christmas as convenient as it is joyous, Plow Farms also supports customers with complete nursery service, from machine digging and wire basket to job site delivery. Evergreens and larger trees are its specialty, and it can offer shipping. The nursery services continue even after the holidays are over.
For all your Christmas wreath, tree stand, holiday gifts and local ornament needs, don’t miss out on Plow Farms’ Christmas Shop! There, you can find a beautiful array of products made from local craftsmen, apparel, candles, and much more.
The farm’s hours are Monday through Friday noon to 7 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closing day for cutting down a tree and visiting the shop is Dec. 18.
For the freshest Christmas trees for your holiday season, Plow Farms has just what you’re looking for. Consider our complete list of the farms in the area here and remember to shop local for the holidays.
“Local is everything to us,” Lindsay said.
Her family supports small businesses and understands the importance of keeping strong roots in the community, she said.
To explore Berks County’s other tree farms, consider our great list destinations below:
