FAMILY TREE; PALMDALE CLAN BRANCHES OUT.

Byline: Romy Jacobson Daily News Staff Writer

Finding the perfect Christmas tree has always been a family tradition for members of the Baal family who join together to assist eager Christmas tree shoppers in finding the perfect tree.

Their Tree Mover Tree Farm sits on 40 acres of land in Palmdale.

The Baals also specialize in landscaping, growing trees and moving trees year-round.

``We do Christmas trees at Christmastime,'' said Tom Baal, co-owner of the business. ``We do landscape trees year-round, we do tree moving.''

``We grow trees for movie studios, so it's multifaceted. You have to be,'' he said.

In the early 1970s, Tom's father, Tony Baal - a retired forester, planted 2-1/2 acres of trees in Quartz Hill.

In 1989, the Baals decided to expand the tree farm and began planting at their current location. They've been cutting there for six years.

The two different types of Christmas trees available are the eldarica pine, and a Monterey and knobcone tree hybrid. These trees are able to grow in harsh desert conditions.

Customers can choose and cut down a tree themselves or have an employee cut it down for them.

``It's something that you don't normally find here in the desert,'' said Baal. ``We've got trees reaching 14 to 15 feet. We also do live trees, those we don't start until December 13 so the trees won't dry out.''

The live trees are placed in biodegradable boxes which can be planted into the ground after the holidays.

``Montereys and coastal redwoods are not desert trees and shouldn't be purchased as a live tree,'' warned Baal.

There is also a crafts boutique at the farm filled with an assortment of handmade holiday decorations created by local artisans.

During their Christmas tree search, customers can get out of the cold and enjoy a warm cup of apple cider or hot chocolate in the crafts boutique.

Family members who work on the farm include Tom's parents, Tony and Pat, his wife, Sheryl, who runs the crafts boutique, his 8-year-old son, Brandon, and his 16-year-old nephew, Kevin. Kevin's 16-year-old friend Chris Langenohl has also been hired to help out during the holiday rush.

Tom's 3-year-old German shepherd named Bull is the mascot and goes everywhere with Tom.

``It's a family affair. We have a lot of fun,'' said Baal. ``On a busy weekend we can cut 150 to 250 trees in one day.''

``It's great. It's a lot of fun,'' said Kevin. ``I have a good time.''

The Tree Mover Tree Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23.

The farm is located on 50th Street East and Avenue N in Palmdale.

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos

PHOTO (1--color) Tony Baal, left, rides a cart used to carry Christmas trees with his grandsons, Brandon Baal, 8, at the controls, and Kevin McCalman, 16.

(2--3--color) In the Baal family boutique, Pat Baal, left, and her daughter-in-law, Sheryl Baal, show off their holiday season wares. Above, the clan turns out for a group photo - Tom Baal, left, Sheryl Baal, Kevin McCalman, 16, Brandon Baal, 8, Pat Baal and Tony Baal. Their Tree Mover Tree Farm sits on 40 acres of land in Palmdale.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News