"This is a family business for us. We started years ago, when our four sons were younger, and we were looking to get involved, and get them involved, in an ag-related business," Dave said. "It wasn't just about making money, it was about teaching them the values and my wife and I both learned growing up on farms like we did."

Twenty years ago, the Reeses' undertook dried flowers, sheep, dogs, mushrooms, and, ultimately, Christmas trees.  Through the years, most items fell by the wayside, but the trees "stuck."
Later, a quaint building was added to serve as a gift shop and headquarters for the farm's operations. Today, more than 16,000 trees stand on the farm property.

"It's an extreme amount of work, but we try to make it as simple and pleasant as possible for our customers," Dave said. "That's why we do this."

Live Christmas trees get a bad rap, according to the Reeses.
"One of the big knocks on live trees is that they're a fire hazard, but live trees don't start fires. People start fires," Dave said. "Basically all you need to do is keep it watered, and you'll be fine."

When a customers arrives at the farm to purchase a tree, Dave and his sons get to work, uprooting the tree, drilling a tapered hole in the base for the stand, shaking out excess needles and wrapping it in netting for easier transporting.

"We call it a husband saver," Dave said.

Fresh trees offer a variety of benefits, Dave explained, including a wonderful smell and a biodegradable, Earth-friendly product, with uses from mulch to stream bank protection to preventing soil erosion. Trees can last through mid-November to after New Year's, with proper care. Once trees are taken down, they can be returned and recycled at Kaleidoscope Farms.

Dave works with each tree individually throughout the year, with shearing taking place all summer.

"It takes seven years to grown a full-sized tree, and we work long, hard hours, shearing and shaping every year," Dave said. "But, it's all worth it come Christmas. The good part is when we get to share this with the public."

All of Dave's hard work has paid off, earning him the title recently of grand champion Christmas tree at the Ohio State Fair. Personally, Scotch pines are his favorite.

"Everybody has their favorite. People like different aspects of each tree. Some are more sturdy; others can only hold lighter ornaments," he said. "It's personal preference."

The foundation of the live Christmas tree is rooted in Christianity, Dave explained, symbolizing "everlasting life."

The traditions are his reason for continuing on, and the reason his four boys are committed to the family business for the long haul.
"It's a dream come true," he said. "It's the whole experience, picking out the tree, and treasuring the traditions you make with your family."
During the holiday season, a live nativity and two reindeer owned by the Reeses, are on-site at the tree farm for the customers to view. Wagon rides and a bake shop are also available.

Kaleidoscope Farms is a member of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association.

For more information, visit http://www.ohiochristmastree.com

Kaleidoscope Farms first published December 2004