Christmas Trees and Family Fun
A Family Tradition
Hours – Prices – Directions
Hours
Saturday:9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday:
By Appointment from
10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Sundays: Closed
Phone:
865-824-8286
White Pine
Up to 7′ – $327′-8′ – $35
Over 8′ – $38
Norway Spruce
Up to 7′ – $377′ – 8′ – $40
Over 8′ – Additional $4 per foot
Directions
Take I-40 exit 364 (Melton Hill Dam). Turn north toward Oak Ridge; take first right.Take the next right and go about 1.6 miles. The farm will be on the right.About Steve
A Man after God’s Own Heart
Steve passed on to his eternal realm on to be with his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He graduated from Knoxville East High School where he was a multi-sport athlete and salutatorian. He went on to graduate from UT with a degree in nuclear engineering. While at UT, Steve was appointed cadet colonel commander of the entire ROTC wing. He went on to spend five years in the Air Force as a jet pilot instructor. Following his stint in the Air Force, he, his wife Sandy (Bourkard) and two sons, Scott and Jeff moved to Oak Ridge and then to Loudon County where Steve worked for 30 years before retiring in 1996. During this time, he and Sandy were active in their church serving at various times as elder, treasurer, children’s church leaders and Sunday school teachers. They also served on the Knoxville Young Life Committee for several years.
In 1985, they adopted their three daughters from Bill Williams’ Monday’s Child: Connie, Jennifer and DeDe.
After retirement Steve and Sandy settled into life on their farm in Loudon County where they raised Christmas trees and attended Two Rivers Church. Sadly, in 2006 Sandy suffered a stroke, which took her life. As Steve’s life took a new course, God brought a new partner to share the sorrows and joys. In 2009, Steve married Kathy (Mcknight), a neonatal nurse practitioner in Atlanta. They have had five years to celebrate God’s renewing grace through Jesus Christ. They maintained a house in Atlanta, but continued to commute back to the farm in TN. They were members of Church of the Apostles in Buckhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of trees do you have?
Do you use any pesticides on your farm?
How do I care for my fresh Christmas tree?
Do I have to cut my own tree or will you help me?
What tools do I need to bring?
Can I reserve a tree and cut it later?
Do you offer any other Christmas items for sale?
When are you open?
How do I find Buttermilk Farms?
Do you have a bailing machine to wrap the tree?
What types of trees do you have?
White Pine
We have many trees up to 12 feet tall.
White pines grow to cutting size in about seven years. They have long, soft needles and have a full look. The needles are very resistant to dropping, so this is a good choice if you plan to keep your tree up for more than two weeks. White pines require a severe pruning every spring to encourage the dense foliage you see on our trees. If white pines are not pruned, they grow up to three feet a year and have large gaps between branches. Each of our trees has been hand-pruned and shaped every year since planting.
Norway Spruce
There are a MANY Norway spruces ready to cut.
Norway spruces grow to cutting size in eight to ten years. The needles are short and “prickly.” This makes them less “kid friendly,” but they have sturdy branches with a more open structure (similar to a fir tree). This makes them more suitable for hanging ornaments on the interior of the branches. The major drawback is that they tend to drop needles as the tree dries out. We have also lost several mature pine trees in the woods around the Christmas tree field from the infestation of pine bark beetles. This has not affected the Christmas trees yet, but if we have another mild winter, the beetles may decide to move into the smaller trees.
Our trees are organically grown.
We never use any insecticides or herbicides, so you don’t have to worry about adverse effects to your family. But this may result in a tree that will have a shape that is not perfect, or you may find a preying mantis egg mass in the tree. (Be sure and look over your tree for these eggs. They are about the size and color of a walnut). If the eggs hatch in your house, your kids will love the science lesson, but you will have thousands of baby preying mantises in your house.
Do you use any pesticides on the farm?
We never use any insecticides or herbicides, so you don’t have to worry about adverse effects to your family. But this may result in a tree that will have a shape that is not perfect, or you may find a preying mantis egg mass in the tree. (Be sure and look over your tree for these eggs. They are about the size and color of a walnut). If the eggs hatch in your house, your kids will love the science lesson, but you will have thousands of baby preying mantises in your house.
How do I care for my fresh Christmas tree?
Caring for your tree is easy and with proper watering it should last through the Christmas season. When you arrive home with your tree, shake it well to remove any loose needles and immediately put it into water. Then just before you place it in your tree stand, cut off another inch from the bottom. Then place it in your tree stand. Water it and add some Sprite or 7Up. We recommend checking the water level of your tree each day and supplementing the watering with some Sprite or 7Up. The sugar in these drinks will help the tree to last longer.
Do I have to cut my own tree or will you help me?
We will help you cut your tree and we will even cut it for you. No need to worry. We are here to help you in any way we can.
What tools do I need to bring?
There is no need to bring any tools! We can provide you with all the tools necessary to cut down your tree. If you want to bring your own tools, please bring a tree saw. (Sorry no chain saws permitted.)
You may want to bring gloves and rope.
Can I reserve a tree and cut it later?
Of course! Come out to the farm anytime; pay for your tree and we will give you a tag to put on the tree. Return whenever you want to cut your tree.
Do you offer any other Christmas items for sale?
Yes. We offer wreaths. All are made on the Farm and pricing will be available when you arrive. Also, we have tree stands.
When are you open?
Hours of Operation:
Saturday: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. By Appointment
Sundays: Closed
How do I find Buttermilk Farms?
Take I-40 exit 364 (Melton Hill Dam). Turn north toward Oak Ridge; take first right. (There is a large sign for Buttermilk Farms). Follow small Christmas tree signs to the tree farm which will be on the right (look for the Santa flag).
Do you have a bailing machine to wrap the tree?
No, we do not have bailing machine. Please bring rope or twine to tie your tree.