Under new ownership, the former
Tollander Tree Farm on Griswold Road in Kimball is experiencing a revival. New owners and the husband and wife team, Todd and Shannon Postill, are planting the seeds to give the business a new life, embarking on a new chapter as
Family Tradition Tree Farm.
Established in 1958 by Stan Tollander and later operated by his son Wayne, Tollander Tree Farm was a popular tree farm and Blue Water Area destination. In 2003 due to the growing physical demands, Tollander retired the farm’s tree production and continued utilizing the property as an event venue.
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Family Tradition Tree Farm, formerly Tollander Tree Farm, is located at 5680 Griswold Rd. in Kimball, Michigan.
In 2023, the Postills purchased 42 of the farm’s 140 acres from Tollander, Todd Postill’s cousin, to build upon the family business. Todd Postill has fond memories of helping out on the farm during his youth and says they are excited to share this new venture with his family and the community.
“I worked here before I could drive,” he says. “More, I’m just looking forward to bringing everybody together again. I remember what it was, the people that would come out here and his [Tollander’s] relationship that he had with them … I can’t wait to see him out here next year with everybody coming back.”
The Postills say they wanted to honor the farm’s rich legacy while cultivating new traditions to share with their children, grandchildren, and the community.
“That’s how we came up with Family Tradition — we are continuing the family tradition,” Todd Postill says. “We were going to keep the Tollander name, but we wanted to start our own and do it for our kids and their kids.”
The couple’s vision and excitement for preserving the farm’s legacy has received immense support from Tollander, who they say has been instrumental in guiding their efforts.
“He [Tollander] had a couple of people approach him about buying the whole property, but they wanted to either doze it all or take the sand, and his heart just couldn’t let him do that,” Shannon Postill says. “He’s really excited that we’re going to do the trees again.”
“He is our lifeline right now, he is everything to us,” Todd Postill says.
“He helped us plant our first field,” Shannon Postill continues. “He was out there with us, he drove the tractor. Me and my daughter were around the back, it’s a pull-behind planter, and we were planting the trees and he walked us through the whole aspect.”
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Cousins Wayne Tollander (left) and Todd Postill examine tree seedlings.
This spring, the Postills planted 1,000 Canaan fir trees and plan to add another 1,000 next year and introduce new varieties, including the Norway fir. The Canaan and Norway fir trees are a popular choice for families as they’re known for excellent needle retention and soft, short bristles, making them friendly for children and pets.
While the newly planted trees mature over the next seven years, the Postills say in the meantime they are working on opportunities for people to gather and come to the property. Their vision includes building a greenhouse, producing maple syrup, and offerings such as pumpkins, wreaths, and pre-cut trees next season.
“We want to get the heartbeat going again,” Todd Postill says. “I remember working here and you couldn’t park any more cars. There’s parking for 200 plus cars and this place was packed.”
For those who prefer not to have a real tree, the Postills say there will still be plenty to enjoy around the property with entertainment such as wagon rides, concessions, a gift shop, and a cozy bonfire.
“Even people that don't want a real Christmas tree can still come out for the experience,” Shannon Postill says.
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Built in 1993, this newer construction offers a versatile space where guests can eat, drink, shop, and relax at the property.
In addition to seasonal offerings, the farm also serves as a picturesque venue for weddings, baby showers, and other events. Between the property’s historic barn, gift shop, and scenic landscape, the venue’s versatility has also attracted unique uses.
“A few weeks ago, someone shot a music video in the front barn which was really neat to see,” Todd Postill says. “So we’re just expanding it to anybody that could utilize the property.”
The couple say they are looking forward to opening in the fall and welcoming people back to the business regularly.
“There will be pre-cut trees here next year, we’re just looking to get people back and familiar with the area, and hopefully starting their own family tradition,” Todd Postill says.
For more information or to follow along as Family Tradition Tree Farm grows, visit them on
Facebook or at
familytraditiontreefarm.com.