The Pine Forest Garden Club members recently visited the Tree Top Christmas Tree Farm in Hazlehurst. While there, they were treated to a hotdog and hamburger lunch, along with delicious sides and desserts. Owners, Roxie and Chuck Crosby gave a brief presentation of the workings on the farms. They primarily grow Murray Cypress, which is low maintenance and does well in the South Georgia climate. Each year, they plant around 200 new trees, transplanting them from one-gallon pots during January and February.
Annually, the tree crop requires two fertilizer treatments and an anti-fungal spray. The trees are trimmed in May with a final shaping in October. They also have live animals, which include donkeys, Ellie Mae and Waffles; goats, rabbits, pigs, turkeys, ducks, and Great Pyrenees dogs to protect the flock.
A horticultural tip was provided by Roxie, who stated that most of her farm work in the summer is conducted in the evening hours when the temperatures are cooler. She loves the citronella patches made for children and sticks them everywhere to keep the bugs at bay. Club members are shown above enjoying a hayride during their visit.
