About Us
It all started when…(from the Children’s POV)
One day, in who knows when, Dad decided that he wanted to be a Christmas tree farmer and that the family was going to do it with him. We assume Mom was in on it too, but she may have just been a hostage in this situation (kidding!). They bought some land just outside of the city limits of Jesup, GA, and decided to make it happen.
The first year we planted trees (2003-ish) we planted way too many for not having any customers and no one knowing we exist. We used the Pythagorean Theorem a lot when setting up the field (so, yes, you do use math in real life sometimes) so we could get those beautiful rows and spacing. We planted quite a few different varieties and learned that a lot of those varieties are temperamental. Some get sunburnt in the summer, some don’t like much water, some are extremely susceptible to pests, some grow super wooly, some are prickly, some have strong smells and some don’t smell like anything except the color green. We could continue this list for a while, but we don’t need to bore you.
We learned you have to spray for pests almost every week in the summer. We learned you have to shear them (with 2 ft. knives or a giant electric trimmer) twice a year or the trees turn into bushes. We learned you have to both “top” them and “bottom” them to keep them from growing all wonky — feel free to ask about that, it’s really very simple. Most of this happens in the heat of south Georgia. The only time you work on the trees in the cool weather is when you’re planting or cutting. Thanks, Dad.
All this means is that we were NOT prepared to be tree farmers. Yet, here we are. I continue to use this as my “interesting fact” when asked for one in ice breaker games, or if conversation lulls. People are intrigued — which is probably why you’re reading this.
Did you know there is a Georgia Christmas Tree Association? Would you believe both Dad and Mom have been President of it at different times (AND that Dad was President the first year we opened, like, when he still didn’t know anything)? They were, and he was. But now they’re experts. They actually do know how to grow trees properly now. Dad is President of GACTA again for 2022-2023.
2022 is the 17th season we’ve been open to sell trees. We’ve grown a lot since that first year, and we’re incredibly thankful for it. It has helped put all 6 children through school (though most of them had scholarships and jobs to help too), and it is the retirement plan for the parents. We have plans in the works to make it bigger and better as the years continue. We kids are still involved, and it’s likely you’ll encounter at least one of us, if not more, when you come get your tree each season. You’re almost guaranteed to see Dad — the tall “strawberry blonde” (red hair turning white) man in a red shirt. And Mom is out there too, but she’s quieter — probably making wreaths or trying to convince someone to let her hold their baby.
We’re glad you’re exploring our website and learning more about us. We can’t wait to learn about you and your loved ones when you come to see us at the farm.
The Adult Kids