December is the busiest time of year for Brian and Nanett Mayes.
The couple started their small Selkirk tree farm in 1991. They had planted the trees when they first bought the property on Pictuay Road four years prior. “The first year, we sold about 12 trees,” said Brian Mayes. “The next year, we sold maybe five.” Nanett Mayes said that Majestic Tree Farm has been a labor of love. It had to be built up over several years before there were enough trees at the appropriate size for customers to come and cut down for Christmas. “We started from ground zero and planted all of the trees ourselves,” said Nanett Mayes. “By 1991, we had a few trees that were above 5 feet, so we opened to the public.” Over the years, the farm grew, and through word-of-mouth, more people from the community began coming to Majestic for their annual Christmas tree. Eventually, the couple hired more employees and began to offer additional products made with their trees’ branches. Nanette crafts wreaths, kissing balls, garland, holiday centerpieces and decorative swags, among other products. Last year, the couple also built a new barn with more space for Nanett to do arrangements and a warm place to greet guests. “We thought it was time, and so far it’s worked out great for us,” said Nanette.
For the past five years, Majestic Tree Farm has provided the Town of Bethlehem’s Christmas tree for its parade and lighting ceremony. The first town Christmas tree was a giant one growing outside of Town Hall. The tree would be lit much like the current tree is, but it eventually needed to be cut down because it was dying. The ceremony was moved to the Four Corners in 2004. At that time, local residents would donate one of their large pine trees to be cut down and moved to the center of Delmar. Nanette said she thinks they were first contacted about providing the town tree since they have been providing the town with wreaths for about the past 10 years. Down in the main fields there is such heavy traffic, the farm never gets a really tall tree. However, white fir trees were planted on a neighbor’s property several years ago. Customers used to be able to go and cut down those trees, but they eventually grew too tall for most people to want them. “We stopped selling those to the public, but the town comes and looks at those trees,” said Nanett. “Previous supervisors used to come themselves and pick out the tree before sending the crew out to cut it.” Now members of the Highway Department come to look through the trees and select one to cut down. “But this year there isn’t a lot left that have good shape to them because they grew too tight in there and they didn’t get cut out so now some have bald spots,” said Nanett. “I think this might be the last year we can provide the tree.” The Mayes always have donated the tree as a gift to the town. One year, Nanett and her son were also able to march in the parade, which is now a fond memory for her. These days, Majestic employees have not been able to get away to march during their peak season. “It’s just a very satisfying feeling to be able to contribute to the celebration of the holiday,” said Nanette. On weekends, Majestic Tree Farm serves fresh-baked cookies and hot mulled cider. Staff also shake clean every tree, net it and tie it to the car as a special service. The farm is at 185 Pictuay Road in Selkirk and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. To learn more visit, www.majestictreefarm.com.