Some people like them tall and thin while others prefer the short fat ones. Some folks fancy a really pungent one and others enjoy one that is less odiferous. The holidays are just around the corner and it is time to start thinking about one of the most beloved symbols of the season, the Christmas tree. The elves at Sprouffske Trees in Rainier have been busy all year tending their crop, and they are just about ready for the holiday countdown to begin.
Actually, the elves are a third-generation family of tree farmers whose endeavor started on a whim over 48 years ago. Fred Sprouffske decided to try his luck at raising Christmas trees in 1965. Turns out he had the magic touch, and pretty soon the family business was born.
Jump ahead to 2013 and it’s Jerry Sprouffske who has taken over the job as Head Elf. Sprouffske asssumed responsibility from his father and now runs the tree farm with his brother-in-law, Johnie, nephew Jonathan, and their wives, Sandi, Karen, and Shelley respectively.
After retiring as a foreman with the Olympia Brewery, Jerry took over farming full-time. His wife of 45 years, Sandi, gives a glimpse of the Sprouffske work ethic that has helped create the magic that is the farm.
“Jerry worked for the brewery for 30 years. In all that time he only missed one day, and that was because he was told to go home (due to illness). He is the ‘guru’ of the farm, mechanical, electrical, jack-of-all-trades, you name it. He learned a lot from Fred.”
Sandi Sprouffske shares how the entire family treasures the relationships they have cultivated over the years. “A wonderful family from Puyallup has been coming to our farm every year since 1975. Their oldest was 4 or 5 years old when they started and now they bring their grandkids to share the tree cutting. The reason they come is because they were made to feel like family from their very first visit. Every year, they have their family photo taken in front of a 90-year-old big leaf maple in front of our shop.” The Sprouffskes welcome countless other families who return year after year to reunite and continue the tradition of personally cutting the family Christmas tree.
Taking a drive to the farm in Rainier is part of the experience. Families looking to make the most of the season are in for a real treat. Winding country roads dotted with farm animals lead to the Emerald City of Christmas trees.
Sprouffske Trees offers Nobles, Douglas and Grand Fir trees. “Nobles are really popular and have been for a long time. The space between the branches allows for ample ornament hanging,” explains Jerry’s nephew, Jonathan.
“Hallmark made Nobles popular with their ginormous ornaments,” he jokes. “I prefer the Grands though because you get more of that Christmas smell.”
U-Cut trees on the farm are reasonably priced, from $25 for a Douglas Fir to $35 for a Grand or a Noble. It’s the experience itself that is priceless.
The family affair is what’s important to the Sprouffskes. Each year they welcome new and returning families, as well as several local churches. They come out with covered wagons and take the kids around for rides to choose their trees. Occasionally people will spot deer and even elk while shopping for their trees.
The Sprouffske family realizes the importance that the local community plays in the success of their tree farm, and they are happily involved in all things that Rainier has to offer. Fire Commissioner, School Board, Lions Club, and Relay for Life are just a few of the local organizations that the family holds dear. The extended Sprouffske family has lived in Rainier for more than five decades and looks forward to being a part of this charming bedroom community for generations to come.
The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the first day of the Christmas tree shopping season. Sprouffske Trees is open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily from Friday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 24. For information on directions, supplies and pricing, please visit the website.
