A Kentucky-Grown Christmas

Around the third week in November, several Kentucky farm families open their gates, barns, and fields to folks who appreciate the experience of cutting a fresh, homegrown Christmas tree. A tree grown and nurtured in Kentucky soil, with Kentucky hands.

“There’s a lot of talk these days about the environment and going “green,” says the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association. “We smile a little bit at that because we’ve always been green. We’ve always appreciated Kentucky’s rich agricultural history and are doing everything we can to pass that torch on to the next generation of growers. For many families, an outing to the nearest Christmas tree farm marks the official start of the Christmas season. Friends gather. Meals are shared. Decorations are brought down from the attic. Traditions are revisited. We’re honored to be a part of that.”

Of the many Christmas tree farms dotting the state, approximately 20 are Kentucky Christmas Tree Association members.

Steve McManus, owner of Cathole Bend Christmas Trees & Nursery, has been selling trees for ten years in Garrard County and is KCTA president.

McManus says even though Christmas tree farming is a relatively small industry in the commonwealth, it truly is a “green-oriented industry” where trees are rooted right here in Kentucky soil, rather than being grown elsewhere and shipped here.

Perhaps most importantly, Christmas tree farming offers local communities a valuable service that’s increasingly popular. McManus says selecting and cutting your own tree is a fun activity with lots of photo-snapping moments.

“For people who live in town, it’s an opportunity to get out in the country a little bit and walk around amongst the trees and the fields that the farmers have,” he says. “It’s a good outdoor family experience.”

For more information about Kentucky Christmas trees, visit www.kychristmastreefarms.com.