Twenty-two years ago, Dennis and Nancy Foster purchased 10 acres of neglected farmland and a farmhouse built in 1866. Dennis had a dream that he wanted to fulfill, to start a Christmas tree farm and run it his way. In 1977, Dennis planted his first block of trees. That first year, almost half of the trees were lost to drought and inexperience. In 1978, he replanted the first block and also planted the second one. With a little experience under his belt and more rain, the losses were low. He continued to plant a block each spring with minimal losses. By 1982, the first few trees were ready for sale. Two years later, another drought hit. Losses were severe, but the following spring Dennis replanted the lost trees, and by 1986 he had planted all his acreage (divided into 10 blocks).
The next five years went fine with growing, pruning, selling and replanting, and Dennis was able to purchase some adjacent acreage. By 1994, the entire farm was planted. Since then we have been replanting all that we sell, accidentally hit with the lawnmower, and lose to natural causes. We analyze the soil in the various sections of the farm and replenish the soil for good tree growth, health and color. We keep the grass cut all year to minimize weed control and we hand prune every tree each summer. We’re still experimenting to make our trees better for you, and Dennis is often asked to speak to other growers to share his knowledge and experience.
Just remember; you can make your dreams come true.