BLUE SPRINGS, Neb - As the holidays near, there’s no time busier for holiday businesses - even ones that work primarily outdoors, in the often cold and blustery December weather. An example of those, would be Christmas tree farms.

The Trump family has owned Pinecrest Tree Farm in Blue Springs for 30 years, with owner Craig taking over four years ago.

“People still have the holiday spirit,” Trump said. “Little more spread out this year, people are coming in and picking out their trees a little bit earlier, taking them home, putting them up.

The process for a successful Christmas tree farm operation doesn’t begin when the holidays do. According to Trump it takes about nine years for a tree to grow to the standard six feet. Therefore, work continues year round, and only ramps up, when the weather warms up.

“Once spring hits, we’re doing landscaping, sheering trees, planting trees,” Trump said. “All summer long, we’re watering trees, sheering trees, mowing. Takes a lot of work to get where we are right now.”

According to a survey by the American Christmas Tree Association, about 77% of Americans are electing to go with a fake Christmas tree this holiday season. However, that number might not be reflected by the business at Pinecrest.

“Every year it seems like we have more and more people coming down here saying its their first year coming to the farm or first year getting a tree,” Trump said. “In just think it’s one of those traditions of putting up a tree you just can’t beat.”

And if you are one of those first real tree customers, Trump has a few tips for making a selection.

“When you pick out your six or seven foot tree, it looks small, but remember it’ll look much bigger when you get it inside,” Trump said. “Also it’s good to get out here earlier in the year, enjoy the whole experience, walk around the field, come in the shop for a cider, then look around and pick out that tree.”