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Cultivating Christmas joy
By Jennifer Johnson
Herald-Tribune
El Dorado Springs, Mo. -- Mark and Jennifer Koca have found a way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year long. Owners of the Czecherboard Woods Christmas Tree Farm on rural 7190 S. 51 Rd, just southwest of El Dorado Springs, Mo., both Mark and Jennifer have combined their love for the Christmas holiday with their knowledge of farming to create a lasting family experience for their customers.
The beautiful setting of Scotch pines lined up in rows across their land, and the smell of the trees in the air, is enough to put any weary Christmas shopper back into the holiday spirit.
The Kocas, who have lived in El Dorado Springs for more than 20 years now, agree that one of the greatest joys of having the Christmas tree farm is seeing the happiness that comes from the individuals and families who venture out their way to purchase that unique Christmas tree. Mark Koca, who is also the principal at Humansville High School, said that he enjoys both of his jobs; however, he loves the experience of getting to see people at "their very best and happiest moments," while working on the farm. "When families come out here to pick out their tree they really have a fun and happy time," says Mark, and his wife Jennifer agrees that "the main reason for starting the Christmas tree farm was simply their love of the holiday," and for the experiences which they both have gained along the way. Children, it seems, often get a special delight out of selecting and taking home a tree, Mark said, noting it's a delight to him as well to see "how excited the kids are to pick out their own tree."
Although it has not always been the Czecherboard Woods Christmas Tree Farm, the Kocas' farm has been in the family for more than 100 years -- mostly as a cattle and grass farm. With their first crop of trees being planted in 1998, Mark adds that it took about six years to see the first crop grow to maturity.
Keeping the trees healthy, and planting beginning each spring to replace the trees which were purchased the year before makes the tree farm a year-'round endeavor.
The Kocas note that their busiest time of year is usually the first weekend in December; however, they tend to get a rush of customers as the Christmas holiday approaches. Jennifer added that "the fresh cut trees usually go up best about two weeks before Christmas."
They have trees ranging from shorter heights of about 3 feet to taller trees measuring about 9 feet in height, with many of them being Scotch pines. Some white pines are available as well.
The trees range in price from $25 to $40; however, Jennifer said, "We sell the trees more on a quality basis," rather than pricing the trees based on size alone. Shaking the needles off of the tree, and bagging it up with twine for an easier fit into the customer's vehicle, are some of the services included in the price. Families are free to cut their chosen tree down themselves, or Mark Koca would be more than happy to do the cutting.
Jennifer Koca also makes her own fresh pine wreaths from the trees, which are on display and available for purchase.
The Czechboard Woods Christmas Tree Farm is currently only open on weekends from 9 a.m. to dark; however, Jennifer notes that "we do take appointments, if someone can only get here doing the week, they just need to call us and let us know."
The Kocas add that this is the perfect time to choose a fresh cut tree to display in your home, as these trees do come directly out of the ground and straight to your home, they tend to stay fresher much longer.