Many will think of spring as a time of rebirth or renaissance, but for Phillipstown Christmas Tree Farm, the rebirth is happening now. Originally open back in 1982, the tree farm has officially launched and Friday, sold their first tree in several years. Raylee Cross has taken on the duties of running the operation and spoke with WROY/WRUL News during the Grand Re-Opening and Carmi Chamber Ribbon Cutting.
My grandparents started it in 1982 we’ll say and they ended up getting so big they were wholesaling across the country. They were shipping out wreaths globally and then my grandpa got sick and passed away in 2003. We quit planting in 2005 and from there we went as far as we could and sold our last tree in 2016.
In 2019 while Cross was in college, he decided to start it back up again and began planting. That work that began more than 6 years ago is now the crop of trees and products now available for purchase. And work over the last 6 years ensures there will be even more for future Christmas seasons.
We have 300 Scotch Pines ready to sell. I have roughly 3,500 trees in the ground right now give or take a few. I’m hoping each season after this, we’ll have 500 trees ready to sell every year.
Cross has certainly taken up the mantle, but it’s still a family (and friend) operation and he’s quick to point out he’s relied heavily on their input to ensure a great experience for everyone.
All the time, I’m asking my parents and grandparents what we should do or what have we done in the past. Last time we were open, I was 16 and we sold like 4 trees that year; I mean I don’t remember it during its heyday. It’s pretty regular and all of our family friends have helped out more than I can repay them. From shearing trees and spraying pesticides, making wreaths, just everything.
Recent data suggests only about 17% of Americans buy real Christmas trees, but a 2025 survey showed that just like vinyl records have made a comeback, folks are interested in the nostalgia of a real Christmas tree with as many as 32% planning to buy a real tree.
Raylee’s mother Gina was there when the farm was humming. She says Friday was a full circle moment and called it overwhelming.
To see the tree farm come back to life, the farm in general, the land itself come back to life from where there weren’t anymore trees, it’s a little overwhelming. I know the hard work that goes into it. I know all the hard work my mom and dad put into the 1.0 version and to be part of the tree farm 2.0 is a full circle moment. We had this cycle where we had livestock on the farm and then Christmas trees and then the Christmas trees were gone and that was such a sad day. To see hope and life be brought back into the farm, I think that’s it. My dad would be so proud of this day and to see cars lined up on the road and in the parking lot. It’s so exciting to see.
In addition to the joys of the journey there and back, cutting down your own Christmas tree isn’t all to do at Phillipstown Christmas Tree Farm. You can sip hot chocolate and enjoy the farm shop with unique gifts and ornaments, wreaths, garland, and porch pails. Visit their website at https://www.phillipstownchristmastreefarm.com/ and you can find them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039573235737. You can also call (618) 966-3641. Phillipstown Christmas Tree Farm is open Mondays – Thursdays by appointment and with regular hours Fridays and Saturdays 9am – 5pm as well as Sundays 1:30pm – 5pm.