The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Don and Linda Covel have sold thousands of beautiful Christmas trees since the early 1970’s, but this week they sold a very special tree – a Colorado Blue Spruce that will be seen and admired by thousands of people. It’s being erected in Philadelphia, Pa. as a centerpiece for the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. A tree lighting ceremony will take place December 2nd. While the tree will be a plus for Philadelphia, it will be a loss for the Covels. It’s been growing in their front yard for 40+ years. Linda said, “It’s gone, but there’ll be another one planted there in the spring.”

Selling a tree this large was a learning experience for the Covels. They discovered that preparing a 43 ft. tree for shipment isn’t an easy task. They had to use a specialized tree wrapping apparatus and a very high crane to gradually wrap the massive tree with its dense branches. It was a slow process requiring skill and almost supernatural patience.

Don and Linda planted their first Christmas trees in 1968. Today their many customers can choose from an array of Balsams, Frasers, White Pine and Scotch Pines spread over 65+ acres of scenic farmland. Customers are already arriving daily to tag trees. When they come to pick up the tree, Covels will cut it, put it on a shaking machine to remove any loose needles, wrap it and even help load the tree. Pre-cut trees will be on sale the day after Thanksgiving.

Located at 843 Mannix Road, Covels’ Tree Farm is open from 9 a.m. to sunset daily. The phone number 518-643-8723. Click here to see more photos.