A Jefferson County Treasure Worth Celebrating
Some places become part of a community’s story simply by showing up, year after year, for generation after generation. Meert Tree Farm in Festus is one of those places.
Earlier this month, EDC Executive Director Ben Brown joined a tour of the farm, a stop that felt less like a site visit and more like a homecoming. Like thousands of families across the greater St. Louis area, Ben and his own family have made trips to Meert Tree Farm part of their fall and winter traditions for years.
More Than 60 Years in the Making
Meert Tree Farm was founded in 1963 by Domien Meert and his father, starting a family operation that has now grown into a 150-acre property in Festus. Following the passing of founders Domien and Eileen, the farm is carried on today by the second and third generations of the Meert family, a living example of what multi-generational farming looks like in Jefferson County.
Across roughly 80 planted acres, the farm grows Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Norway Spruce, with trees taking five to eight years to mature before they’re ready for the holidays. Visitors are invited to cut their own tree using nothing but a handsaw, a hands-on tradition that keeps families coming back season after season. This year, the Meert family expects to sell around 3,000 trees.
A Tradition for Every Season
Christmas trees are only part of the story. In the fall, the farm’s pumpkin patch and corn maze, spanning 15 to 18 acres, draw families from across the region looking to kick off the season. It’s the kind of place where a single visit can turn into an annual tradition without anyone quite planning it that way.
Supporting the Farms That Support Us
Visits like this one are a good reminder of what it takes to keep operations like Meert Tree Farm running: hard work, family commitment, and a community that shows up to support them. Meert Tree Farm was also visited by Congressman Jason Smith during his tour of the region, where he met with the Meert family to hear more about the opportunities and challenges facing local specialty crop producers.
The EDC is proud to spotlight local businesses and farms like Meert Tree Farm that add so much character and tradition to Jefferson County. A thank you to the Meert family for the tour, and for continuing to make the holidays memorable for so many local families.
Find out more about Meert Tree Farm on their website: https://www.meerttreefarm.net/