Christmas Tree Farm Delights Kodiak Residents
Todd and Celeste Dorman.
For 18 years, Todd and Celeste Dorman have been brightening Kodiak homes with beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths.
“I love seeing the happy children who experience choosing or even cutting down their Christmas tree with their families. Kodiak is a small community of 8,000 people. Many of those children return as adults with their own families,” Celeste said. Dorman Tree Farm opened for business last Friday, Nov. 29, after Thanksgiving, and they only sell trees through the end of December. Originally from Oregon, Todd and his father, Charlie, came to Alaska to continue their farming tradition. They found a nice five-acre plot of land in Kodiak and raised pigs, then started the Christmas tree farm in 2006. Celeste, who is originally from Mexico, was part of the farm’s growth. In fact, she met her husband when she moved from Kenai to Kodiak Island for work. She explains that “Kodiak’s native trees are not ideal as Christmas trees. My husband tried over 30 varieties of trees. Many of them did not survive. We focused on planting fir trees. They are the favorites, which take 6 to 7 years to mature and grow 6 to 7 feet tall. Our job is to remove the cones from the branches and shape them. We also mow the grass and plant trees every summer to have a good supply at Christmas time.” Although Charlie died in 2014, he was able to appreciate the first trees on the farm. Celeste works for North Pacific Fuel in accounting and Todd works for the State of Alaska. “It’s a small business, but it gives great satisfaction,” Celeste concluded. Dorman Tree Farm opens on weekends from 11am to 4:30pm. In addition to selling locally grown trees, they offer handmade wreaths. The farm is located on 10899 Bells Flats Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 and their phone is 907-539-2338 
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