99-Year-Old’s Christmas Tree Farm Spreads Joy for Generations

Quick Smiles:

• A 99-year-old man continues to run a Christmas tree farm he started over 70 years ago.
• The family farm sells 1,000 to 2,000 trees each holiday season, delighting generations of customers.
• Pud Johnston attributes his longevity and vitality to his lifelong dedication to tree farming.

In Ontario, Eugene “Pud” Johnston has been nurturing his Christmas tree farm for an impressive 72 years. At 99 years old, he believes his active lifestyle is a key reason for his longevity.

“It keeps me fit, and I think it’s one of the reasons I’m 99 years old,” Pud shared. “I can still prune very effectively.”

The farm, established in 1952 alongside his brother Eric, spans 300 acres. Pud has dedicated countless hours to pruning the trees from July to December each year.

After Eric passed away in 2009, the farm remained a family affair. Pud’s son, Kerry Johnston, took on the role of manager, ensuring the family legacy continues.

“We are tree farmers, and that’s going to continue,” Kerry expressed, noting the involvement of his own two sons in the business.

Pud’s love for trees is evident. “I’m a forester, and if it has to do with trees, I love it,” he said, reflecting on his lifelong passion.

Kerry, who has been involved since he was a child, echoes his father’s sentiments. “I have always been a tree guy,” he stated, recalling his first Christmas tree cutting at age eight.

The farm sells between 1,000 and 2,000 trees each holiday season, with each tree requiring about a decade to grow. “Care would begin at the time of planting the seedling,” Kerry explained.

The meticulous care includes irrigation, fertilization, and weed control, with pruning starting after three years to achieve the perfect Christmas tree shape.

“We shape them into ideal Christmas trees,” Pud said, taking pride in his work. The joy of customers visiting the farm is a highlight for him.

“They’re so happy and outgoing when they come to get their tree,” he noted. “It’s a pleasure.”

Longtime customers like Penny and Stan Reid have been visiting the farm for 30 years. “The trees are beautiful, and they have tons of them you can choose from,” Penny remarked.

Lisa and Mike, along with their young son, cherish their annual visit as a holiday tradition. “We came here our first year with Jack when he was just a baby,” Lisa shared.

Pud’s enthusiasm for his work and life is contagious. “I’ve stayed fit and active,” he said. “I’m happy, I’m confident, I’ve always been satisfied with what’s happening.”

Kerry looks forward to one day passing the farm to his children. “My goal is to live a long time, watch my children take over and continue on,” he said.

Despite his age, Pud has no plans to slow down. When asked about his plans for his 100th birthday next October, he showed no hesitation in continuing his beloved work.

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