#My christmas tree doesn t smell full#

During this time we monitor for weeds, fertility issues, and pests and as an IPM (Integrated pest management) farm, we take control measures only when needed. From there, it takes about 6-8 years for the trees to grow to a marketable height.

Grass is planted in the fall, and the trees get planted in early spring. This all needs to be done a year (or years) in advance. Before planting, it is our goal to eliminate all tough to manage perennial weeds, adjust the pH to our target range (depending on the tree species), and establish ideal soil fertility for seedlings. Growing a tree has many similarities to growing other crops. It takes a lot! We try to allocate 40-45 acres to our Christmas Tree Production (which is tough since we are short on land). What does it take to grow a Christmas tree? We work hard throughout the growing season and thoroughly enjoy our slower winter months which give us time to travel, relax, and plan for the season ahead. We're proud to say we are a family business who work well together and plan to keep it that way as a transition plan is in effect to move the third generation into ownership. There are currently seven 'Butlers' who work in the company on a daily basis. The third generation includes my brother, sister and myself and we hold the current positions of General Manager, Purchasing Manager, and Farm & Finance Manager, respectively. The second generation and current owners have taken the farm to another level offering more activities and family fun than ever before. From there, they pioneered the 'pick-your-own' concept and began growing strawberries along with other crops for neighbors and friends to come pick. The farm began in 1950 when my grandparents purchased the original land with peaches being grown. We also have a farm market where we sell local produce and other local items like honey, jams, and pies just to name a few. We grow small fruit, tree fruit, Christmas trees and vegetables and offer school tours, birthday parties, private events, a large fall festival and much more. Tell us about your farm and your family (What do you do on the farm when it is not Christmas season?)Д«utler's Orchard is a 300 acre pick-your own family farm with a variety of agritainment activities offered throughout the year.

We interviewed him about his farm and to find out: How do Christmas trees grow? Ben truly believes farming and being part of Butler's Orchard is his purpose in life and is committed to the business to the highest degree!

#My christmas tree doesn t smell full#

Now Ben works full time on his family farm as the Farm and Finance Manager where he is responsible for all crop production activities. He graduated the University of Maryland in 2010 with a degree in Horticulture and Crop Production. We did this interview back in 2016, but it is still relevant! We've added the new ' How do Christmas Trees Grow?' video for more fun learning!Д«en Butler grew up living and working on his family farm, Butler's Orchard.