Judy Tree Farm

Our goal is to grow real, fresh Christmas trees for families in our region.  We want to offer a special experience for the family to go out and select that special tree that you can cut and take home with you.  Some may not want to do the work so we will cut it for you as well, if you like.

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We are still in the process of growing our trees for your family Christmas.  It takes about seven years to grow a Christmas tree to 7' to 8' height.  In the mean time we are bringing in pre-cut Fraser Firs from the mountains of North Carolina as well as soke pre-cut White Pines grown in Kentucky.  We are getting them fresh and keeping them in water for you to ensure your tree will look and smell great through the entire holiday season.  We invite you to come out and select a real Christmas tree that adds to your holiday experience.

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We’re conveniently located in Judy, Kentucky, just a few minutes north of Mt. Sterling.

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What do Christmas tree farmers do the rest of the year?

Most have experienced the hustle and bustle of purchasing a Christmas tree in season but much work goes into the production of that Christmas tree year round to have it ready for your family to enjoy.  At the Judy Tree Farm here's an idea of what's going on down at the farm that doesn't make the Hallmark movies:

 

January:

Complete farm records for production and tax purposes

February:

Prepare for planting season coming ahead. Check inventory and purchase needed items.

March:

Apply pre-emergent herbicide on rows where trees are to be planted. Excess grass and/or weed growth robs the trees of nutrients and climbing vines can interfere with proper branch development.

Receive transplants from nurseries and prepare them for planting.  Basal pruning (removing the lower branches) cleans them up and makes for a cleaner tree following planting. We use a root dip on each tree at planting which promotes root growth and survivability. Each tree is planted individually by hand 5 feet apart in row and rows are 7 feet apart.

April:

Complete planting transplants that weren't finished in late March. Mowing begins. Inspect for insects that are harmful to the trees. We use minimal insecticides and only as needed to limit damage to beneficial insects such as bees, lady bugs, praying mantises. Apply fertilizer for each tree at bud break and ahead of new growth. Attend the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association spring meeting.

May:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage. Monitor effectiveness of herbicide and spray as needed. Enjoy the new growth on the trees.

June:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage.  Monitor effectiveness of herbicide and spray as needed. (See a trend here?)

July:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage. Monitor effectiveness of herbicide and spray as needed. Tree trimming begins. Most trees will break bud in April and new growth occurs following.  Each tree should be trimmed and shaped while the growth is soft. Later this new growth will harden.  If the top of the tree is not forming correctly they must be corrected in order to have a saleable tree.  Otherwise you have an evergreen bush which are not very popular for the intended purpose. Spruce and firs will only need trimmed/sheared once during the year but pines may need to be trimmed/sheared twice. Failure to get this done in a timely manner can make the tree unsaleable or cause an extra couple of years growth to correct it. This is hot work and done on hot days. Plan and place order for transplants for next spring's planting.

August:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage.  Monitor effectiveness of herbicide and spray as needed. Complete tree trimming/shearing. Plan and purchase items for retail season.

September:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage. Monitor effectiveness of herbicide and spray as needed. Plan and layout rows where trees will be planted next spring and spray with herbicide to remove the weeds. Attend the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association fall meeting.

October:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage. Monitor effectiveness of herbicide and spray as needed.  Plan retail sales lot for retail sales during holiday season.

November:

Continue mowing and inspecting for insect damage. Set up retail sales lot and begin selling trees. Enjoy Thanksgiving with family and take a deep breath ahead of the rush coming up.

December:

Complete retail sales. Clean up sales lot. Enjoy Christmas with family and friends. Rest.

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After doing this for 6 to 8 years your 7'- 8' Christmas tree is ready for you to enjoy.

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