While many do not think about the holidays or whipping out Christmas decorations until the end of November, others get prepared for years in advance by planting trees.
As Matthew Gay, owner of Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm, prepares for his 21st year of selling Christmas trees, he explainedwhy he began the business.
Almost 38 years ago, Gay planted 500 trees and cut them up to sell them by the road.
“Well, when I sold out I was out of business. I didn’t have any more growing,” he said.
From that first experience, Gay learned he had to have a rotation of trees growing in order to consecutively sell trees. After buying more land 10 years later, Gay’s tree farm was officially open for business. With different plots of trees growing about a year apart from each other, his rotation works on a five year calendar.
“Bought the land and cleared it. The rest is history,” he said. “I’ve always been a little bit of an entrepreneur.”
After having a lawn mower repair business and a cabinet shop, Gay decided on a whim to try his hand at Christmas trees. He discovered that he loved being a powerhouse for good memories, especially for children.
“I like it when all the families come out to have a good time, and they get a good tree,” he said. “That’s my wheelhouse now, and I have no intention to stop.”
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With dedicated customers from Savannah, Aiken, Columbia and even Atlanta, Gay said he attracts people from far and wide because he takes the time to grow longlasting, beautiful trees; he admits that it also does not hurt to be one of the few businesses to offer freshly flocked trees for the season.
“They say they like the atmosphere here for one thing, … and I try to treat all my customers special,” he said. “So over the years we’ve become somewhat friends.”
Alongside rows and rows of spectacular Christmas trees, Gay’s farm also features boiled peanuts, a giant inflatable snowman, fresh wreaths, photo-op stations, hayrides and a cozy bonfire burning all day long.
Always looking for creative ways to expand his business, Gay said it is not just about selling trees, jams, and other goods. It is most importantly centered around great farming techniques.
Ever the humble businessman, Gay said he refuses to further his own business by bashing competitors. Instead he chooses to focus on what he can do to make his product top quality.
“You got to know how to farm. You got to learn how to grow the trees and learn about soil preparation,” he said. “Are my trees better than other places? I’m not going to say that. I can guarantee they’re as equal if not better.”
Educating himself on both the business and marketing sides to succeed in the longrun, Gay said he knows trees are not often a cheap tradition for households, and he values giving his customers bang for their buck.
“I do everything I can on my end to ensure families are leaving with a great tree at a fair price. I always want to make sure I’m doing right by my customers – that’s why I don’t let anybody else prepare and tend to these trees but me,” he said.
When taken care of properly, Gay said his longest lasting trees, the Murray Cypress, can live up to two months with plenty of water and avoidance of heat sources. He said most people are not aware that Christmas trees drink one to two gallons of water a day; similar to a low maintenance pet, he advises that customers check on their tree’s water daily.
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Taking time to trim, till and feed them rich nutrients, Gay admitted that he often drives his wife a little crazy around the holidays because of his OCD-like tendencies to perfect his trees. His neighbors, on the other hand, love when Gay trims his trees because a citrusy aroma will fill the air making the environment smell very festive.
But for those who argue that reusable trees are better for the environment, Gay said he believes the alternative actually causes more harm long term.
“I disagree wholeheartedly, but I’m a live tree grower so I’m going to disagree. But I guarantee you I can go through these trees and I can find some bird nests, and once these trees are cut down they degrade back into organics,” he said.
He added that about 75% to 80% of artificial trees are made in China where their permissible levels of chemicals are comparably higher than the U.S. According to him, some are even petroleum based or used to be made with a high concentration of lead.
“They end up in a landfill, and it’s going to be there forever. This tree after four or five years is going to be back in the ground,” he said. “I understand why some people have artificial trees, but it’s statistically proven that for every one tree we cut, the Christmas tree industry replants three.”
He also said buying a tree in a pre-packaged box does not offer the same cheerful bonding experience that a family would get from walking around and picking one out together amongst the fresh, crisp air.
“You get an unforgettable family experience,” he said.
Gay specializes in offering various numbers of Christmas trees such as Carolina Sapphire Cypresses, Fraser Firs and Murray Cypresses. However, in a strategic business move, Gay opted to negate selling Fraser Firs this season and will instead offer Douglas Firs.
“They were just getting too expensive because of the recession, and I didn’t want to raise my prices higher than what my clientele can afford. It just wouldn’t be fair or good for business,” he said. “So instead we’re going with the Douglas Fir. You can hardly tell the difference between the two and then I can still sell trees at a price people can afford.”
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Wanting to not only provide for his shoppers, Gay said he donates some of his trees every year to Trees for Troops and allows customers to sponsor trees as well. For $40, visitors of the farm can buy a tree to be sent off for a military family in need.
Gay believes this service is important because he knows that without those who serve and protect the country, he might not be able to do business at all.
Some of Gay’s favorite memories on the farm involve touching others’ lives in unimaginable ways. Whether it is seeing another wedding proposal or children growing into young adults over the years, Gay said he loves knowing that his business has become a holiday tradition for so many.
“You see some people come every year and you see them grow into adults,” he said. “Then, you also get young couples you knew from when they were small coming back and starting to bring their young children here too. It’s a wondrous thing to see.”
Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm will open Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. at 2335 Tobacco Rd, Augusta, Ga. On Monday through Friday, the farm is open from 2 p.m. until dark and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until dark. The farm will continue to be open while supplies last.
For more information on Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm, visit: https://gacta.com/farms/gays-christmas-tree-farm/
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
