Riverside Farm, located at 80 Burdickville Road, Charlestown, RI, has been a family-owned enterprise since 1905. Presently, the farm encompasses 65 acres, predominantly farmable land. In 1988, Kevin and I initiated the cultivation of Christmas trees, transforming the farm from its previous role as a subsistence farm for earlier generations. Kevin envisioned that raising Christmas trees would offer an excellent opportunity for the farm to achieve self-sufficiency.

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Over the past several decades, Riverside Farm has engaged in various agricultural activities. Our great-grandparents raised livestock, including cows, sheep, and chickens, to sustain their needs. My grandparents continued farming operations and introduced a 3-acre strawberry patch, which my grandfather sold at his workplace. Additionally, they raised Hereford cattle, turkeys, chickens, and swine.

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The first planting of Christmas trees occurred in the spring of 1988, with an initial batch of 1,000 Balsam Fir trees. Kevin consistently planted 500 trees annually for many years. We opened our farm to the public for tree cutting in 1995 and have maintained loyal customers since then. For a few years, we ventured into agritourism, offering fall activities such as corn mazes and pumpkin patches. However, as our focus shifted back to Christmas tree cultivation, we discontinued these activities.

Presently, we plant a minimum of 1,500 baby trees each spring, expanding our acreage to nearly 10 acres dedicated to tree cultivation. Throughout the years, we experimented with various tree species and found that several varieties of Fir, White Pine, Scotch Pine, and White Spruce thrive best on our farm. We are also committed to diversifying the evergreen materials used in our handmade wreaths and other Christmas décor.

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At Riverside Christmas Tree Farm, our goal is to produce healthy Christmas trees. To achieve this, we employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM), thus avoiding harmful pesticides. This approach involves maintaining an 8-foot space between each tree and mowing the grass around them, ensuring individual care during shaping and shearing.

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Our commitment to organic farming practices aims to preserve a healthy environment for both current and future generations. We strive to uphold the family's legacy by maintaining Riverside Farm's sustainability and continuing its tradition of excellence.