PNW Family Farms
The Burton family grows exceptional Christmas trees because they've been doing it for a long time - 65 years. Charley Burton planted the very first Noble fir to be used for Christmas tree farming in the U.S. His passion and expertise became a family affair as three of his children have carried on the tradition, continuing to grow sustainable trees on the slopes of Mossyrock, WA.
Our trees come from two farms, led by the brother-sister duo John and Barb, who have continued their father's passion for tree farming that started in 1949. We spent a day getting a personal tour of one of the farms and an early glimpse at the beautiful trees heading to Swansons this season.
The Burton family works with Swansons to grow naturally shaped trees, the style our PNW customers have come to ask for every year, and which have a more alpine look than the usual "cone" shape found on most lots. They plant over 50,000 trees each year per farm and raise Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir and their highly-coveted "Burton Blue" variety for our customers.
The family has had the opportunity to share in many a White House Christmas, shipping beautiful 18-ft Noble Firs to Washington D.C. during past holiday seasons. It is a testament to their legacy of expertise in growing exceptional trees – and one they are quite proud of.
Fresh cut signed by President George W. Bush
After spending the day with our gracious hosts we came away with a deep appreciation for the hard work this family puts into their trees and the tight-knit culture they've instilled with their teams.
“My foreman Manuel has been with me since he was just 17, and now 25 years later, I see him as an extension of myself out here. I can’t really say how valuable that loyalty and partnership is. ”
From left to right: Barb, John and Sophia at Christmas Hills Tree Farm with Gabriel Maki - Swansons Nursery co-owner