As winter settles in, families across Duluth make their way to the Farmers Market to pick out a Christmas tree. Among the rows of firs and balsams, Jesse Hoffbauer and his crew help customers find the right one for their homes.
Jesse operates the retail lot at the Duluth Farmers Market, the red painted barn building on East 3rd Street and 14th Avenue East, while his parents manage the cut-your-own portion of the family business on their nearby property. “My parents have the acreage,” he said. “They do the cut-your-own part. I run the retail lot here in town.”
The family manages about 33 acres in total, with five acres of trees at Jesse’s home and the rest on his parents’ land two miles away. It’s a setup that allows each to handle different parts of the operation while staying close enough to share labor and equipment.
Jesse graduated from Proctor High School in 1999. Before returning to work full time in the family business, he spent 15 years teaching elementary school. His wife, Allison, also teaches in Duluth. Together, they are raising two children, Stella, 9, and Sadie, 8, who occasionally help around the farm.
A Family Business Focused on Sustainability
The Hoffbauer family started planting trees in 1987. Since then, they have established a rotation that keeps new growth coming every year. “We plant about three to four times as many trees as we harvest,” Jesse said. “That keeps things sustainable and helps prepare for years when conditions aren’t ideal.”
Tree farming depends heavily on the weather. Droughts, pests, or a late frost can set back years of work. “Two years ago, we had a dry spell that hurt a lot of the young trees,” Jesse said. “You can’t control it, so you just keep planting.”
It takes roughly 10 years for a seedling to grow into a mature Christmas tree. The Hoffbauers raise several varieties, adjusting as they learn which trees handle local conditions best.
Trees and Wreaths for Every Home
At the Duluth Farmers Market, Hoffbauer Tree Farm offers more than just trees. The family sells wreaths, garlands, and other greenery, all made locally. “Every day someone’s in the shop working on garlands or wreaths,” Jesse said. “It’s a busy place this time of year.”
The business employs close to 30 people during the season—some full-time, most part-time or seasonal. Friends and family often help during the busiest weekends. “We’ve got a lot of people who come back each year to help,” Jesse said.
Tree prices range from about $50 to $200 depending on size and species. A few smaller, natural-shaped trees—often called “Charlie Brown trees”—sell for less. “They’re usually balsams that haven’t been pruned,” Jesse said. “Some people prefer that old-fashioned look.”
Siberian Fir is a Customer Favorite
Among the varieties available, the Siberian fir has become a customer favorite. The species originated from a University of Minnesota test plot planted about 25 years ago. “We tried several varieties from different parts of the world,” Jesse said. “The Siberians did well in our climate—and they have a light citrus smell that people really like.”
The Siberian firs are grown from seed first imported by a nursery the family worked with years ago. A single pound of seed can contain around half a million seeds. “It doesn’t take much to plant a lot,” Jesse said.
Building Traditions
While the cut-your-own operation offers the full rural experience, the market lot attracts repeat customers who prefer convenience. “We see a lot of the same families every year,” Jesse said. “They remember us, and we remember them.”
Many customers make their annual tree purchase part of their family routine. “It’s something people come back for because it’s familiar,” Jesse said. “They know they’ll get a good tree and that we’ll help them get it home safely.”
Staff trim the trunk, wrap the tree, and secure it to customers’ vehicles. “We make sure it’s ready for the ride,” Jesse said.
Looking to the Future
Even after decades of operation, the Hoffbauers continue to experiment with new planting methods and varieties. “We’re always learning,” Jesse said. “Tree farming is long-term work. You plant something today that you might not see ready for 10 years.”
Jesse compares it to teaching. “You don’t always see the results right away,” he said. “But you know the effort will matter down the road.”
When customers take home a Hoffbauer tree each December, it represents years of steady work—planting, trimming, and care. For the Hoffbauer family, that work is more than a business. It’s a way to stay connected to the land, to their community, and to a season that means something special to families across the Northland.
To learn more about Hoffbauer Tree Farm, visit: hoffbauertreefarm.com.
