A storied Christmas tree farm that has welcomed generations of families from across the St. Louis, Missouri region is officially up for sale. This marks the end of an era for one of Jefferson County’s most cherished seasonal destinations.
Meert Tree Farm, a 150-acre property known for its holiday evergreens and community events, is listed for $2.2 million. The business is also available for buyers who want to continue its operations for an additional $750,000. This combined offering lets prospective owners purchase both a large property and a well-established regional brand deeply ingrained in local holiday traditions.
A Family Legacy Spanning More Than 60 Years
The Meert family’s connection to tree farming began in 1963, when Domien and Eileen Meert started planting Christmas trees on a modest six-acre parcel in Oakville. The couple saw the project as a way to help fund their six children’s education. What started as a simple idea soon grew into a business.
By the early 1970s, the small farm was selling trees to nearby families each holiday season. But demand quickly outpaced what the Oakville plot could support, prompting the Meerts to search for larger acreage. Their exploration eventually brought them to Festus.
According to Victoria Meert, the founders’ granddaughter, the family’s relocation to Dry Fork Road in 1980 permanently reshaped the business’s future. “They fell in love with the land the first time they saw it,” she said. “The hills, the open fields, the quiet, everything about this property felt right to them. It was exactly the atmosphere they wanted people to experience when they came to choose their Christmas tree.”
Victoria, who spent much of her childhood on the farm, said the decision to sell did not come lightly. After her grandparents passed away, ownership transferred to their six children. Managing the business collectively, while rewarding, became increasingly complicated. “Anytime you have a big family with a lot of opinions, it keeps life interesting,” she said. “But over time, everyone realized they were tired in the best, most wholesome way. It simply felt like the right moment to let someone new take the lead.”
She added that the property carries deep emotional significance for the entire family. “This isn’t just land. This is our home. It’s where we learned responsibility, gratitude, and what it means to be part of something that brings joy to other people.”
Growth Driven by Community Support
While the business began with Christmas trees, Meert Tree Farm eventually transformed into a year-round destination. Community demand played a major role in shaping the farm’s evolution.
Visitors would often ask whether the farm offered events outside the holiday season. That curiosity encouraged the Meert family to experiment with new activities. A small sunflower field was one of the first additions, and it quickly became a late-summer attraction. From there, the family added pumpkins, seasonal workshops, and eventually a full-scale fall festival.
Today, the annual autumn celebration includes more than 80 vendors, drawing thousands of attendees from across the region. The farm also hosts wreath-decorating classes, photo sessions, and family-friendly events that have strengthened its reputation far beyond Jefferson County.
“It all happened naturally,” Victoria said. “People wanted reasons to come back during different times of the year, and we loved providing that for them. The farm grew because the community asked for it.”
A Property With Broad Development Potential
The farm’s listing agent, Kris Barr of Coldwell Banker Realty Gundaker, urges serious buyers to seize this rare opportunity while it’s available. This versatile property can attract agricultural entrepreneurs, hospitality operators, or anyone seeking a unique investment in the heart of Missouri.
The acreage includes three homes, each of which could serve as rental housing, staff lodging, or a bed-and-breakfast. The property also features a large barn currently used as the farm’s retail and event hub. Equipped with bathrooms and a full kitchen, the structure is well-suited for weddings, corporate gatherings, community events, or expanded agritourism.
The property is ready for a buyer looking to take Meert Tree Farm’s legacy forward or launch a new vision. Serious inquiries are encouraged to act now to secure a thriving, income-producing business with built-in growth potential.
Interest in the listing has already begun to build. Barr said inquiries have come from a variety of potential buyers, including developers and event specialists. “There are multiple avenues for expansion. The right owner could elevate this property into something even more substantial.”
Community Reaction Filled With Nostalgia
News of the sale has struck an emotional chord with longtime patrons, many of whom have visited the farm annually for decades. Victoria said the family has been overwhelmed by the heartfelt messages from customers who consider the farm part of their holiday traditions.
“We’ve had tears, hugs, and so many stories shared,” she said. “People have told us they understand why we’re selling, and they’ve promised to continue supporting the farm until the perfect new owner comes along. That means more to us than we can say. It reminds us that this farm isn’t just ours, this place belongs to the community, too.”
The Meert family hopes that the next owner will preserve the heart of the business, even if they choose to add their own creative touches. “Our biggest wish is that someone buys this property who truly appreciates its spirit,” she said. “Someone who feels the magic of it the same way my grandparents did.”
Operations Will Continue Through the Transition
Despite the pending sale, the Meert family plans to continue running the farm through the holiday season and beyond. Visitors can expect tree sales, festivals, and seasonal events to operate as normal in the months ahead.
“We’re not stepping away until the right person is ready to take over,” Victoria said. “We’re still planting trees, hosting events, and celebrating with the community. This farm has a kind of magic that can’t be replicated, and we hope the next owner cherishes it the way we always have.”
As the Meert Tree Farm moves toward new ownership, the property stands as a testament to decades of hard work, family commitment, and community connection. It’s an expansive piece of Missouri farmland that has become synonymous with holiday cheer for generations.
