Dunedin Man Revives Christmas Tree Farm to Honor Late Son

A Dunedin man is revitalizing his Christmas tree farm, driven by a heartfelt desire to create a magical atmosphere reminiscent of the past. John Munro, the owner of the Christmas Tree Farm, is dedicated to transforming the property into a thriving wonderland that he believes would have made his son, Nick Munro, proud.

After 34 years of dreaming about owning a Christmas tree farm, Munro sold between 25 and 30 trees this year, a significant increase from the few he distributed to family and friends last holiday season. Munro’s commitment to quality is evident as he aims to cultivate “perfect” specimens in a large pine forest setting. “I’m quite precious about the trees; I don’t want to be selling substandard trees,” he stated, reflecting his dedication to maintaining high standards.

At 67 years old, Munro is looking to shift away from his career as a real estate agent and focus on nurturing his farm. He explained that it takes approximately four and a half years for a tree to reach a suitable size for Christmas. He envisions that in two years, the farm will present a stunning display of meticulously shaped and pruned trees, enticing visitors to choose from a selection of flawless options. “My goal is to have a whole block of gorgeous trees shaped and pruned, all the perfect size, full and fluffy,” he said.

Honoring Memories Through Growth

Munro’s motivation goes beyond mere business aspirations; it is deeply personal. He fondly remembers the last time his land overflowed with vibrant, well-pruned trees when his son, Nick, was alive. Tragically, Nick passed away in 2005 following a violent incident that led to severe head injuries. He died five days later from cardiac failure caused by those injuries. Munro reflected on their shared experiences, saying, “He used to come here and we did it together, and it was just gorgeous. It’s always bittersweet to be here.”

Despite the sadness that accompanies his memories, Munro finds solace in the work he is doing. He believes that Nick would be pleased to see him reviving the Christmas Tree Farm and finding joy in his endeavors again. “Now that I’m past that sadness, I want to create it to have it not necessarily in his memory,” Munro explained. He aims to make not only Nick proud but also his other children and his wife, Fenella Munro, showcasing his resilience and dedication to family.

As he nurtures the trees on his farm, Munro is not just planting for the present but sowing seeds of hope and remembrance for the future. The Christmas Tree Farm stands as a testament to his enduring love for his son and the joy they shared in creating memories together.