Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)?
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PostPosted: Sun, Nov 29 2009, 6:02 pm EST    Post subject: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

We have been loyal Simonson's customers for our annual tree for a decade (since moving here). But this year we feel compelled to move on. For the last couple of years it has been getting harder and harder to find the kind of tree we like (as part of our long family tradition). This year we couldn’t find any great trees that matched our criteria. It seems like they have not done a great job over the last decade making sure they are keeping the new plantings proportionate with what is consumed and in protecting newer planting areas to allow them to reach larger sizes. That’s their prerogative but it means we need to try elsewhere, sadly. Perhaps in a few years we can return.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on other places nearby where we can cut our own trees where they have larger selections of and varieties of 7”-plus trees?


Thank you.
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PostPosted: Sun, Nov 29 2009, 8:09 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Try Bill Buntings place on Prospect Street in town. I believe he still sells trees at christmas.
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PostPosted: Sun, Nov 29 2009, 9:36 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Try Bill Buntings place on Prospect Street in town. I believe he still sells trees at christmas.


If we drive on Prospect will it be obvious where to go? Do we need an address?
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PostPosted: Sun, Nov 29 2009, 10:05 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

I think he has had a sign in the past. Go on a weekend I am sure you'll see a car or two. I haven't been there in a while.
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PostPosted: Mon, Nov 30 2009, 7:53 am EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Hightstown Fire Co.
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PostPosted: Mon, Nov 30 2009, 10:51 am EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Barclay Tree Farm (Off Dey Road) http://www.barclaystreefarm.com/

Griffin Nursery (Off Church Road - Monroe or in East Brunswick) - http://griffinnursery.com/

Simonson really is the best - with two locations and 50 acres of trees to choose from - all in Cranbury - http://www.simonsonfarms.com/
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PostPosted: Mon, Nov 30 2009, 12:00 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Barclay Tree Farm (Off Dey Road) http://www.barclaystreefarm.com/

Griffin Nursery (Off Church Road - Monroe or in East Brunswick) - http://griffinnursery.com/

Simonson really is the best - with two locations and 50 acres of trees to choose from - all in Cranbury - http://www.simonsonfarms.com/


Thanks for the other leads.

We really want to use Simonson but their U-Cut farm off of Cranbury Neck is extreme picked over and has gotten worse every year, at least for those of us getting a larger tree (8'+). I gave them the benefit of the doubt again this year and extensively went through it (I did like their new access road) and couldn't find a single contender. Really disappointing. Vast chunks of those 50 acres you mention are unplanted or are graveyards of stumps and other large sections are very young, small trees. The number of viable larger trees is much smaller and many are not attractive -- too narrow or not full enough, etc.
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PostPosted: Mon, Nov 30 2009, 12:10 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Another suggestion is Lantier's in Monroe. They are pricey, but the largest one I have been too.
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PostPosted: Mon, Nov 30 2009, 2:37 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Guest wrote:
Guest wrote:
Barclay Tree Farm (Off Dey Road) http://www.barclaystreefarm.com/

Griffin Nursery (Off Church Road - Monroe or in East Brunswick) - http://griffinnursery.com/

Simonson really is the best - with two locations and 50 acres of trees to choose from - all in Cranbury - http://www.simonsonfarms.com/


Thanks for the other leads.

We really want to use Simonson but their U-Cut farm off of Cranbury Neck is extreme picked over and has gotten worse every year, at least for those of us getting a larger tree (8'+). I gave them the benefit of the doubt again this year and extensively went through it (I did like their new access road) and couldn't find a single contender. Really disappointing. Vast chunks of those 50 acres you mention are unplanted or are graveyards of stumps and other large sections are very young, small trees. The number of viable larger trees is much smaller and many are not attractive -- too narrow or not full enough, etc.


Simonson's second location on Dey Road is pretty good to have a look. It is very close to the Barclay Tree Farm - which does have quite a few larger trees.
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rjany



Joined: Tue, Dec 1 2009, 3:08 pm EST
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Tue, Dec 1 2009, 3:35 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

Hi folks! I would like to comment as the 3rd Generation in Simonson Farms. I will not argue that there are limited large trees in our fields (>8'), however, we have over the last 5 years been trying to get back to the standards that my Grandfather (Ray) and Great Uncle (Bus) had set. Back in 1999 & 2001 we had 2 droughts that not only caused losses of nearly 50% of seedlings planted, but also limited growth of the established trees at the time. Those trees that were lost in 1999 & 2001 would now be the 8-10' trees you folks are after. There are plenty of 6-7' trees out there.

Our management principles in the last few years have been to leave blocks of trees that would otherwise have been replanted so as to attempt to have some larger trees. Some of these can be "topped", or cut 2-4' off the ground. Also, think about where you are placing the tree in your home. If you are going against a wall or a corner, you may find a larger tree that has a "bad back" that may work well for you.

If you do visit either of our U-Cut farms, I would invite you to go to the furthest parts of the farm and take a look. All too often, customers come in, look where they first arrive, and don't go beyond. These areas are naturally going to be the more picked over areas.

Last, I would like to say that I am now a 50% owner of the business, and have been doing my best to grow the best trees I can, at the most reasonable price I can offer. I took over management and purchased my stake in 2006. Since then, I feel that through some changes in growing practices, we are offering better quality trees than we have had in many years. As a young farmer (I'm 29), I feel confident in what we are offering, and look forward to future years when I can see the changes I've made come to fruition (trees take ~7yrs to get to 6-7', and 9-10yrs to 9-10').

We welcome your comments and questions, and hope to see you this year. If you do choose to go elsewhere, there are a few other farms reasonably close. Giamarese Farms on Fresh Ponds Rd, South Brunswick and McGlaughlin's on Rt. 539 about 5 miles south of Hightstown. You can also visit http://www.njchristmastrees.citymax.com/ and view the Choose & Cut Guide for other farms.

For those who have had a bad experience looking for that Perfect Tree we do apologize... Please visit us again in another year or two. Hopefully we will have those big trees you desire.

Thank you,
Rodger Jany
Simonson Farms
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PostPosted: Tue, Dec 1 2009, 4:30 pm EST    Post subject: Re: Where to get tree (other than Simonson's)? Reply with quote

As the original poster I just want to thank you for the detailed post and history behind why the 8-10' trees are sparse due to the previous drought. I am not trying to disparage Simonson and I hope to be a customer again in the future as I am very supportive of Cranbury-based businesses and farms. I think as you mention I just need to wait for that crop of 6-7" trees to grow more. By the way, does the location on Dey Road have much 8-10' selection?
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