Every year, the SCTGA holds a Field Day at a member's farm. Every year it is a different location so that members can share their tips & troubles with each other. The annual Field Day is usually the 2nd weekend in August. Here, the members are watching a pruning demonstration.

Once a Christmas tree reaches a certain size, it will need to be sheared every year until it gets to be market size. Growers use a long shearing knife to shape most of the tree then use pruning shears to cut the leader to the right size and trims the first whorl. The length that the first whorl is trimmed, somewhat decides what shape the tree is going to be.

Some Christmas tree growers get the whole family involved in the family business. The photo on the left (above) shows a home-made water wagon to pull behind the tractor for watering newly transplanted seedlings. It comes complete with an old van seat for the kids! The photo in the middle is of a grower digging holes for seedlings out in the field. The photo on the far right shows the family's 6 year old putting seedlings into small pots for the tree nursery.

Some growers have different things to see and do during your visit to their farm. Some of Santa's helpers frequent this farm!

You can't beat a local hand picked Christmas Tree! It just doesn't get any fresher than cutting it yourself and taking it home!

It's more than just a tree....it's part of great, long-lasting family memories!