Monetta’s Christmas Tree Farm Celebrates 40 Years of Holiday Tradition and Community Connection

Monetta’s Christmas Tree Farm: A Family Legacy Thriving in the Holiday Spirit

MONETTA — As December rolls into town and brings with it the holiday cheer, Tom and Debbie Sawyer are busy with their cherished family tradition: selling locally grown Christmas trees. This month is quite possibly the most wonderful time of the year for the Sawyers, as they gear up for another bustling season at their beloved tree farm, which has been their labor of love for an impressive 40 years.

The Roots of a Tradition

It all started back in 1979 when a young Tom and his late brother George set out to plant their first batch of trees: “500 Virginia pines, 500 white pines, and 500 red cedars!” Tom remembers excitedly. Now, Tom and Debbie offer a wide array of Christmas trees, including Virginia pines, white pines, Leyland cypress, Carolina Sapphire, and even Fraser firs imported from North Carolina. Plus, Debbie’s handmade Christmas wreaths have become quite the hit, crafted lovingly by her and a handful of “elves” who help out during the busy season.

A Piece of History

The Sawyer family’s connection to the land goes back nearly 200 years. Their tree farm, situated off Uncle Duck Road, is nestled in a place that once buzzed with the presence of political heavyweights like Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun. “The Sawyers settled here in the 1830s,” Tom explains. “They established a sawmill and even had a post office called ‘Sawyer’s Mill’ in the 1850s.”

From Banking and Nursing to Christmas Trees

Despite their deep-rooted history in farming, Tom was once juggling a career in the banking industry, while Debbie worked as an occupational health nurse. “We always had to balance our day jobs with the farm,” Tom shares. In those early days, they dealt with the grunt work of tree farming using traditional methods: “We pruned with shearing knives, and it was all very labor-intensive.” But as the years passed, their dedication paid off, and the business flourished.

Challenges and Triumphs

While the holiday season is full of joy, it can also present its unique challenges, especially with the scorching South Carolina heat. “The highlights are when the sales pick up in the weeks leading to Christmas,” Tom notes. However, he readily admits that the hot summer months can be tough, as they prepare the trees for the peak season. Trees need careful attention in June and August — prime times for pruning — ensuring they look their best when families come to find the perfect tree in November.

Crowning Achievements

As if their thriving business weren’t impressive enough, Tom has received accolades for his trees, winning numerous ribbons at the state fair, including the coveted grand champion title multiple times. He’s been an active member of the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association since 1978, serving also as treasurer and previously as president and vice president. “I stopped competing about five years ago, but I have plenty of history with those ribbons,” he adds with a grin.

The Magic of Handmade Wreaths

Debbie’s talent shines brightly in her exquisite wreaths, with the skill rooted in over three decades of experience. “I made my first wreath back in ‘86,” she recalls fondly. With her team of master wreath makers, they whip up stunning wreaths that reflect the holiday spirit perfectly. Tom chuckles, “They make wreaths just like the ones you see in Nieman Marcus!”

Connecting with the Community

As the season wraps up, and Aiken County families flock to Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees to pick out their holiday centerpiece, the Sawyers take immense pride in being able to connect with their community. “It’s not just about selling trees; it’s about creating memories for families,” Tom says. From a simple find to a centerpiece filled with love and memories, each tree sold comes with a bit of the Sawyers’ rich history.

So, if you’re in the Monetta area searching for the perfect Christmas tree or that stunning wreath to adorn your front door, look no further than the Sawyers. Their family legacy is alive and well—bringing warmth and joy, one tree at a time!