Ten years ago, Nat and Jared Mendham started southern Tasmania’s first choose-your-own Christmas tree farm. ‘We’d been living in Vancouver,’ Nat said. ‘Our twins were born there, and we used to go out to a farm and choose our own tree from a variety of firs and spruces. It became a tradition.’
Tree change for climate champs
On their return to Tasmania in 2012, the Mendhams planted 1000 radiata pine trees on a block of land near Richmond. Eighteen months later they started selling them.
‘We had a little gazebo and a couple of deck chairs,’ Nat said, ‘and when twenty-four people came up our driveway we were thrilled!’
As the business grew, they initiated online ticketing. Each November, they sell a limited number of $30 tickets as a deposit on their trees. That way they avoid a frenzy on open day.
‘Some of our customers have been coming since their children were babies,’ Nat said, ‘and now they’re in high school. We like to look after them first. But we break a lot of hearts when people miss out.’
Nat and Jared have worked hard to create a business that aligns with their values. Customers can return their tree in the second week of January, when it will be mulched and used around the farm.
And instead of using plastic netting to wrap their trees, the Mendhams advise their customers to bring an old sheet or tarpaulin.
‘We’re always looking for better ways to do things,’ Nat said. ‘We use jute matting and brush cutting to deal with weed competition, instead of spraying. And we employ a local horticulturalist who has helped us develop our spray-free practices.’
They also have a young French family living on the farm, who help with mowing in lieu of rent.
Nat and Jared Mendham have been chosen by Clarence Climate Action as this month’s Climate Champions.
Visit the Richmond Christmas Tree Farm website.
Eastern Shore Sun, December 2022, page 13