Family farm growing festive joy

THERE wouldn’t be many jobs more magical than growing Christmas trees for families to enjoy.

Just outside of Napoleons, second and third generation radiata pine tree farmers, Peter and Alex Costa, are doing just that.

The father and son run Victoria Christmas Tree Farm, planting and growing between 10,000 and 13,000 trees annually.

Mr Costa said three people work full-time through the year, pruning, fertilising, and slashing, and it takes about five or six years to perfect a bushy six-footer to their standards.

His favourite part about being in the Christmas business is seeing the excitement on children’s faces as they wander the farm, with a candy cane measuring stick, to find a tree that will be the perfect fit for their home, whether it’s four or 12 feet tall.

“That’s what it’s all for,” he said. “There are now parents who came here as kids and are bringing their own kids out too.

“It’s amazing, and good to see the repeat business. We must be doing something right.”

As a child, Mr Costa helped his father sell Christmas trees at various locations including the Queen Victoria Market and their family home in Coburg.

His father bought the farm in the late 80s, and Mr Costa and his son took on the family business in 2017.

Demand for Christmas trees begins in mid-November, although they do get the occasional keen visitors who are feeling festive in late-October.

Mr Costa said he prides himself on the quality and affordable price of his locally grown trees, and customers can bring their own trailer, truck, or van to pick one up, or they can be delivered within a 30-kilometre radius.

Victoria Christmas Tree Farm aims to support the community, donating trees to people in need, and fundraising.

This year the Costas are giving to Raise the Rent Ballarat, which assists families to pay their rent and buy groceries. They generated $1700 for the local CFA last year.