Farm History

Bob & Marilyn Larsen started the Larsens' Christmas Tree Farm in the early 60's, officially opening the gate to the public in 1965.  The farm ha been in the family since 1918 when Bob's parents, danish immigrants Hans and Anna, purchased it and ran an egg production business during the time Petaluma was known as the 'egg basket of the world'!  

After purchasing the farm from his parents, Bob continued the egg business for a few years before transitioning to a tree farm.  With four children to raise and full time work for the county civil engineering and road departments, he took in some extra income by working at the neighbor Al Anderson's Christmas tree farm.  With Al's encouragement, Bob was soon planting his own seedlings on his farm.  For a few years customers came out twice, once to tag their Christmas tree, and a second time to pick up their reserved tree.  Being a bridge inspector, dad built bridges over the creeks and mom envisioned the planting of redwoods that now tower over the creek. The century old red barns and shed are still serving the needs of the farm.  

 After several years of building up the tree farm on Marshall Ave., Bob leased land from friends on Magnolia Ave. during the 70's and 80's, making him a very busy man growing and caring (planting, pruning, weeding and more...) for three farms full of Christmas trees.  In later years, Bob and Marilyn focused on the home farm.  

Their grandson took on the farm for a number of years after graduating from college. Being innovative, he added an acre more of farm grown trees, increased capacity for imported firs, credit card payment option, and a gift shop were among upgrades to the farm during his running of the farm.  At 96 years old, Bob is still involved in the care of the trees and he and Marilyn along with their daughter, Lynn, anticipate greeting customers, long time and first-timers once again this Christmas tree season.