The ‘most wonderful time of year’ means more than just a festive season for Covington native, Chuck Berry. Instead, Christmas is “A way of life” at Berry’s Tree Farm, a choose and cut Christmas tree operation that has spanned generations since 1977.
The tree farm, which Berry took over from his father and grandfather in 2007, offers nine different varieties of Christmas trees, including cypress, cedar, pine and Fraser Fir. Additionally, Berry’s Tree Farm offers train rides, a petting zoo, fresh wreaths, concession stand and pictures with Santa each year – an aspect of the business that Berry cherishes.
“My favorite part is seeing all of the smiling faces as they choose their perfect, real Christmas tree during the best holiday season ever,” Berry said. “We strive to provide a fun and exciting environment to not only get a Christmas tree but to make memories and create family traditions.”
Though the Berry family established the tree farm in the late ‘70s, the land has been in the family since 1894 and originally operated as a dairy farm and row-crop farm.
Over the years, Berry’s Tree Farm has reached great strides, including participating in the Trees For Troops program as a pickup point for the past nine years. The farm has also been featured in numerous films, has adorned the Georgia State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion and been involved in the Christmas display at Stone Mountain Park.
Additionally, in 2021, Berry’s Tree Farm presented a Georgia-grown Christmas tree to Vice President Kamala Harris after being chosen as the reserve grand champion at the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) contest in North Carolina.
Berry currently serves as the president-elect of the Georgia Christmas Tree Association and the Georgia Director for the NCTA. He is one of three board members from the Eastern region on the National Real Christmas Tree Board, a position appointed by the US Secretary of Agriculture for three-year terms.
Aside from his tree farming duties, Berry has worked as a safety and facilities supervisor at Clarion for the past 21 years. He was elected president of the Newton County Farm Bureau in 2021.
Berry’s family includes his wife, Lori, his son, Chase, their cats and their pygmy goat, Bullhead. He enjoys spending quality time with family in his free time.
“We work for fun,” Berry said. “Christmas tree farming takes all of your spare time. We enjoy traveling and spending time in the North Carolina mountains. Family-time and community involvement is very important.”
Despite living in Newton County for over 50 years, Berry’s adoration for the place he calls home never ceases.
“I was born here and have never considered leaving,” Berry said. “The close-knit community is my favorite. Lots of things have changed in my lifetime, but also lots of things have stayed the same. There are so many dedicated organizations in our community that work hard to keep Covington [and] Newton County the special place that it is.”
