Savannah Kerksieck explains how a “tree Marm” forms in naturally grown silvertip firs in the Lassen National Forrest where her family harvests trees on their land.
Customers at The Stomping Ground Tree lot, Joe Fitzgerald and Nadine Narita from Nevada City measure to tall silvertip firs before purchase.
Savannah and Scott Kerksieck harvest tall, sturdy silvertip fir Christmas trees from their privately owned property in the Lassen National Forrest in Northern California, situated at around 6,000 feet elevation.
The Stomping Ground Tree Farm got its name from a story of one of the Kerksieck’s sons, Rudy, who would say, “Let’s go up and visit the family stomping ground,” and the name just stuck.
Also called red fir (Abies Magnifica), the silvertip fir has very strong branches that grow in symmetrical layers, with large spaces in between. It earned its name due to the silver color at the tips of the branches. It is a good choice for decorators that have large ornaments.
Savannah and Scott Kerksieck, both locals and Nevada Union graduates, are proud to say that they “hand select each tree which was grown naturally on the land. This helps the thinning of the forest to promote fire prevention.”
“None of the trees are planted, so they retain their natural beauty,” Kerksieck said. Savannah explained how if the tree is damaged while growing, it will split off into two trunks which is called a “tree Marm” by loggers from the past.
Savannah Kerksieck explains how a “tree Marm” forms in naturally grown silvertip firs in the Lassen National Forrest where her family harvests trees on their land.
The lot includes a gift shop offering ornaments, pillows, charcuterie boards, mugs and candles for purchasing. The family friendly lot offers popcorn, a small fire pit, and music for customers to enjoy while shopping.
Stomping Ground offers unique ornaments, charcuterie boards, glassware, t-shirts and more for gift shoppers.
Located at 292 Olympia Park Circle off of Sutton Way in Grass Valley, The Stomping Ground Christmas Tree lot is doing well their first year at this location. The Kerksiecks supplied silvertip firs to the previous lot owners, but now the lot is exclusively silvertips.
“I just love my little town,” Savannah added. “We work so hard to bring these beautiful trees here.”
Savannah and Scott Kerksieck grew up in the area and own the Stomping Ground Christmas Tree lot on Olympic Circle.
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