Christmas tree farm keeps family busy year-round
Looking to supplement their income into their retirement years, Jan and Jack Ziegler turned to an unlikely source -- Christmas trees.
The Elgin couple who are not affiliated with the Ziegler's Ace Hardware stores in the area, planted their first tree in 1987 on their farm west of Randall Road in Plato Township.
"When you have a lot of land, you have to figure out something to do with it," she said.
Today, customers for Ziegler's Christmas Tree Farm have thousands to choose from. They give you a saw and you wander out onto the farm and cut down the tree you want.
The company will then shake and tie the tree up for you to take home.
Before retiring, Jan Ziegler, 59, ran a cleaning business out of her home. Her husband Jack, 63, was a truck driver for Burren Transfer, an Elgin company that no longer exists.
The duo was inspired to enter the Christmas tree market because Jack's father ran a similar business on his farm. Because Jack Ziegler had a stroke last year, he's not as active in the business as he once was, his wife said.
The business draws customers from all over the area, including Elgin, South Elgin, Woodstock, St. Charles, Aurora, Schaumburg, Villa Park, even some parts of Wisconsin.
If you go to Ziegler's Christmas Tree Farm, chances are you'll encounter their relatives, whether it's a daughter, a niece or a nephew.
"Any family member that needs a job usually ends up here," Jan Ziegler said.
At what point are Christmas trees mature enough to enter your home?
It takes eight years for pine trees to reach that point, while firs can take up to 10 years, she said.
The Zieglers are busy year-round preparing their trees and grounds for the holiday season, whether it's trimming trees, mowing or putting up signs.
It's hard work, but it's all worth it in the end.
"When we're selling, we're not dealing with crabby people. They're in a good mood, they want to find a tree, the kids are excited," Jan Ziegler said. "It's the fun part."
• Ziegler's Christmas Tree Farm, which also sells holiday gifts and hand-made wreaths, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is in Elgin at 42W109 McDonald Road, five miles west of Randall Road. For information, call (847) 464-5776.