|
Family Tradition Nurtures Chilton Co. Tree Farm
By
Ashley Smith
The
holiday seasons prove to be a time of tradition — a special time of the
year to spend with family and friends. From the traditional Thanksgiving
meal to the holiday season with trees, stockings and presents to the
celebration where the outgoing year is remembered as the New Year begins,
traditions tend to plan our days. Holiday traditions are important to all,
and they have always been particularly meaningful to Ginger Neely Duncan
of Chilton County. She and her brother Carl grew up in a family full of
traditions that are still quite memorable and meaningful to her today.
"When
we were growing up, Mama and Daddy always took us to a Christmas tree farm
where we could search and search to find our very own Christmas
tree," shared Ginger. "After much discussion and deciding on
just the right tree, we excitedly cut the tree." |
With the Christmas trees in the background, (L-R) Chesley Neely, Ginger Duncan, Chad Duncan, and Michael Duncan holding Ethan extend an invitation to everyone to come by Neely Farms to select a Christmas tree. Neely Farms, located in Thorsby, opens November 23. |
|
The
tradition of choosing and cutting their own Christmas tree developed
into a family tradition she and her husband Michael now enjoy with their
two sons, Chad and Ethan. Separated only by years, the annual event
seems to still offer the same excitement and charm as it did to Ginger
as a young child. |
|
Be on the lookout for these two “elves” or helpers at the Christmas tree farm, (L-R) Ethan and Chad Duncan. They pose for a quick picture by last year’s plantings.
|
In
an effort to continue sharing family traditions, with her own family as
well as other families, Ginger searched for ways to grow such
traditions. After some research, she introduced the idea of turning
family property into a Christmas tree farm. No stranger to farm life
(Ginger’s father, Chesley Neely, is a Chilton County cattle farmer),
she realized the endeavor would take the time and effort of several
family members.
"We
are a close family and have always enjoyed doing things together,"
said Ginger. "Of course, we really did not know what all was
involved! However, our family supports one another and encouraged me to
pursue the establishment of a tree farm."
It
has been four years since Ginger first introduced her idea of a
Christmas tree farm. Neely Farms Choose and Cut Christmas Trees is a
family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm located on 30 acres in
Chilton County. Since the idea took root in 2004, more than 2,000
Virginia pines have been planted on property once used
for grazing cattle. Each year, the Neelys and Duncans plant
approximately 500 trees in order to ensure the farm is a sustainable
operation. The tree planting crew that first year consisted of Ginger’s
husband Michael, her mom and dad, Yolanda and Chesley Neely, her brother
Carl Neely and his wife Lacey. The crew has changed
a little over the past few years. Ginger’s mom, Yolanda, passed away
in 2005 from cancer; the same year Ginger gave birth to Ethan. Ginger
feels her mom is with her in spirit and "if she were here, she
would be right in the middle of it." |
|
Just
as families change and grow, so do the trees. They must be nurtured all
along including individual shearing and trimming. Shearing helps the
tree to develop the traditional uniform characteristic shape and taper.
Shearing also promotes the formation of more buds and therefore the
development of twigs and branches (perfect for hanging ornaments!).
Michael handles the shearing and trimming. With plans to expand the
Christmas trees to cover more acres in the future, this family farm is
truly a growing operation!
By
recently joining the Southern Christmas Tree Association (SCTA), Ginger
hopes to nurture the business even more. A regional organization, the
SCTA includes Christmas tree growers from Alabama, Mississippi and
Louisiana. The SCTA serves as an excellent source of information for
growers about the real tree industry, from seedling to sale.
"Attending
the fall meeting in September gave us the opportunity to meet lots of
other growers who have been through similar ups and downs as we have in
establishing our Christmas tree farm," said Ginger. |
Michael Duncan inspects new growth on one of their Virginia pines. Throughout the year, he trims and shears the trees to produce the typcial taper and form of Christmas trees. |
|
She
feels it will be particularly beneficial to have this resource of
experienced individuals to call upon as she works to grow the family
business.
Another
excellent resource for Neely Farms has been the Mid-State Farmers
Cooperative in Clanton. Her dad has been a customer of the Co-op for
years as a cattle farmer; now as a Christmas tree grower. Ginger finds
the store to be high on her list for providing materials and
recommendations. She purchases fertilizer and other supplies needed for
the young trees at the store. For example, Christmas trees require
fertilizer to create the optimal conditions necessary for good tree
growth and quality. Fertilizing the trees improves the color, vigor and
growth rates of the trees. |
|
Benefits
of Real Alabama Christmas Trees
Christmas
trees are more than just the celebration of life during the holidays;
they can be a source of life after it! Discover the recyclable,
renewable benefits of real Christmas trees. Purchasing your real tree at
one of Alabama’s nearly 100 Christmas tree farms improves the economic
industry of the state.
Real
Christmas trees (unlike artificial ones which are not biodegradable and
will remain in landfills for centuries after they are disposed) can give
something back to the environment in several ways:
•
Christmas trees are biodegradable - the trunk and branches can be used
as mulch for gardens, parks or in animal stalls. The mulch provides a
protective barrier for the roots of other plants and vegetation while
preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the
nutrients plants need to thrive.
•
Mulching programs can be found in a number of communities. Check with
your local Department of Public Works for information.
•
Christmas trees make effective sand and soil erosion barriers,
especially at beaches and on river beds.
•
Sunk into private fish ponds, trees make excellent refuge and feeding
area for fish.
•
Before recycling, bagged Christmas trees can be used to make bird
feeders, adding color and animation to the winter garden. Orange slices,
suet and seed on the tree attract birds. They will come for the food and
stay for the shelter in the branches.
•
Christmas tree farms replenish the environment’s oxygen supply, serve
as wildlife habitat, increase soil stability and provide a valuable and
aesthetically pleasing improvement to the land.
For
more information on the benefits of real Christmas trees, visit: www.abundantforests.org/pr_christmas.html. |
After
four growing seasons and much anticipation, excitement and hard work,
Neely Farms Choose and Cut Christmas Trees will celebrate its grand
opening. As the only Christmas tree farm in Chilton County, the family
farm will surely be a success. For families looking for traditional
holiday celebrations, include a visit to a local Christmas tree farm.
Children of all ages enjoy having the chance to choose their own
tree! And the time spent with family will be a tradition cherished for
years to come.
Ashley
Smith is a freelance writer from Russell County. |
 |
|
