The Business of Christmas Trees in Kentucky
In this episode of Hort Culture, we are joined by Kenney Gulley of the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association to discuss Christmas tree production in Kentucky. Kenney shares how he and his wife started a small Christmas tree farm near Mount Sterling as a way to make productive use of their land while fitting farming into their busy schedules.
The conversation covers the basics of growing Christmas trees, including species selection, planting seedlings, and the seven- to eight-year timeline required to produce a marketable tree. Kenney also talks about the challenges growers face, from labor demands and drought to choosing species that match their soil and climate.
This conversation also highlights the importance of the Kentucky Christmas Tree Association, which provides education, mentorship, and support for both new and experienced growers. Beyond production, the episode explores how Christmas tree farms create meaningful holiday traditions and community connections for families who visit each year.
Kentucky Christmas Tree Association
National Christmas Tree Association
University of Kentucky Extension Service Christmas Tree Resources
Kentucky Christmas Tree Production Workbook
Tennessee Christmas Tree Production Manual
Christmas Trees, Center for Crop Diversification
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com
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