CHRISTMAS is a labour of love for Will and John Cappello.
At a time when most city worksites are winding down for the year, the brothers are spread thin across their three Sydney Basin properties, working without pause to supply families the perfectly sculpted pine.
Despite Willy’s Christmas Tree Farm only trading for one month of the year, business is booming.
The Cappellos are a week in to the rush of families that heads to their wholesale farm just outside at Windsor, in Sydney’s north west each year.
Between November 24 to December 24 Willy’s will sell about 2500 trees to customers throughout the city region.
The Cappellos started in 2001 and say business has grown exponentially.
“We start to get a trickle in November and it just keeps growing,” Will said.
“You ask any of the other guys (in the business).
“They all sell out, just like us, every year.”
About a dozen Christmas tree growers have sprung up in the Sydney region since the industry emerged in the late 1990s.
John, a real estate agent by day, puts the success of the tree trade down to nostalgia and tradition.
“People are turning more and more towards this kind of tree,” John said.
“One, I think it's because they are concerned about environmental impacts of (making) plastic trees.
“Two I think it’s because of an ongoing tradition. A lot of customers had trees when they were kids and now they've got kids of their own.”
John said families made it an event to drive out to the Cappello’s Box Hill farm to pick their own tree.
“They have the kids next to the tree and take a photo - compare them over the years.”
“We've had some families who've been with us from the very beginning.”
Will plants the pines in a cycle that sees them grow from seedling to sellable tree within five years.
Anything over four feet in height sells for $10 per foot.
Will says most opt for the traditional 6 to 7 foot tree that has been sculpted for a couple of extra seasons – though a few 15-foot monsters are reserved for public installations and charity events.
A freshly-cut tree can stay alive well into January if it is watered properly.
Will says they are also thirsty when they’re in the paddock.
“Pines are relatively low maintenance but do require a bit of attention.”
“They need a bit of water, and you’ve got to stay on top of weed, fungi, and grass control.
“But if you give them a bit of love and get into a pattern they’re pretty easy.”
Such is the demand for live trees Will said an expansion could be on the cards.
“It's a growing industry. Most farmers around here we know sell out pretty well each year.
“We haven't ever had to turn people away, but we do go close.”
And with their customers giddy with yuletide anticipation – the Cappellos can’t help but get swept up in the holiday cheer.
"We’re out here all through the year pruning and looking after these things. But it's now that we do it all for," John said.
"Yes, it is very busy and a very full-on time.
"But it's also when we get to have a bit of fun with it, and watch other people get into the spirit too."
