FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — When you think of a real Christmas tree, you usually don't think of a Texas-grown tree, but they are out there.

Jenschke Orchards started growing Arizona Cyprus and Murray Cyprus on its land three years ago.

While the trees still need a few more years to grow, Lindsey Jenschke says those trees will do the best in Texas weather.

"So the little ones, the toddlers, elementary, and now we're in the teenagers," said Jenschke. "Eventually into adults and you can cut them down."

Jenschke has watched them grow a foot each year on land that is special for her family. Her husband is the sixth generation and their son is now the seventh to work that land.

Over the years, they’ve learned one special ingredient is key to this farm’s success.

READ MORE | Yes, Christmas Trees Grow in Texas

"Yes, we have them on irrigation. Yes, we water them, but it is not the same as rain," said Jenschke. "Rain is the magic maker."

But too much can be a bad thing, especially for the young plants.

"We thought we were actually going to lose the trees," said Jenschke. "We were really concerned that all the trees would just wash away."

As a produce farmer, she knows that's how Texas weather goes.

"It's either feast or famine," said Jenschke. "We either have no rain or we get gully washers that are incredible. And we just pray a lot.”

The family's hard work is getting noticed, though.

Lindsey Jenschke stands near young Christmas trees at Jenschke Orchards in Fredricksburg, Texas. (Spectrum News 1)
Lindsey Jenschke stands near young Christmas trees at Jenschke Orchards in Fredricksburg, Texas. (Spectrum News 1)

 

"We saw just an increase in agritourism. They want a connection," said Jenschke. "They want to say I harvested this."

"And it's the same with a tree," Jenschke continued. "You know trees don't just magically show up, they actually come from somewhere."

Soon on this Fredericksburg farm, Texans will be able to say that they harvested a Texas-grown Christmas tree.

"It's really special to see your heart become something that people enjoy coming out to," said Jenschke.

From strawberries and peaches to now Christmas trees, the Jenschkes are keeping it homegrown. But while the trees grow, from Thanksgiving up until Christmas, they are selling fresh-cut trees from Oregon.