C H R I S TMA S S E CTI O N Safety and liability with choose-and-cut by Sally Colby Tom and Kerry Dull started growing Christmas trees in 1985 with a
planting of 200 Scotch pines. Since then, they’ve added trees; replanting and expanding
their 25-acre chooseand-cut business in Thorntown, IN. One of the Dulls’ main focuses throughout the year, and especially during the season, is safety. “We have a rack full of saws,” said Dull, “and we change the blades every year. There’s nothing more frustrating than using a bad saw. It costs, but in the long run, it’s good customer service.” When customers arrive to choose and cut a tree,
they park in a lot, then walk to the farmstead where no vehicles are allowed. As they come into the farmyard, visitors see a sign that’s a result of a 2011 Indiana law that focuses on agrotourism stating that consumers accept some of the responsibility for liability. Dull sums up the bill: “This can be a dangerous thing to participate in, and we’ve taken every measure to make sure it’s as safe as possi-
ble for you, but you (as the customer) accept some of the responsibility.” Dull says the new law provides ease of mind for those considering adding agritourism as part of their farm operation. “The sign doesn’t take away our responsibility to provide a safe place,” said Dull. “We have to continue to let the consumer know that there are risks, and by participating they accept that responsibility.” The greeter asks if customer has visited the farm before, and if not, explains that the farm provides saws, carts to
move trees from the field. As people head to the field, they see signs that say ‘only tagged trees are available for cutting’ and pass at least two signs that say, ‘watch where you step, beware of stump holes and other natural hazards.’ “We’ve already been in the field and pre-tagged every tree that’s for sale,” said Dull. “We color-code the trees — Scotch pines have a blue tag, white pines have a white tag and Canaan firs have a red tag so the customer
Safety 13
One of the Dulls’ main focuses throughout the year, and especially during the season, is safety.
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As they come into the farmyard, visitors see a sign that’s a result of a 2011 Indiana law that focuses on agrotourism.
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Visitors to Dull's Tree Farm are made aware of uneven steps through signage. Photos courtesy of Dulls Tree Farm
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