A perfect Christmas tree

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November 18, 2009

By Jean Cole The News Courier Wed Nov 18, 2009, 09:07 PM CST

Two Athens growers are teaming up to offer fresh, green Christmas trees to North Alabama residents this year.

Georges’ Tree Farm and White Dove greenhouse, nursery and farm will let you choose and cut your own live Christmas tree, buy an already freshly cut tree, or buy a live tree to replant for Christmas or landscaping.

Visit the Georges’ farm at Line Road and U.S. 72 East. Their trees are color-coded by size.

The farm will be open the day after Thanksgiving or, if you want to come another time, you can call White Dove owner Tim Harper at (256) 431-9085 and he will meet you at the tree farm. If you go to the tree farm and no one is there, you can call the number posted and reach Harper.

The Georges will also be selling some of their trees at White Dove’s stand at 23374 U.S. 72 East.

The $7.50-a-foot cost for a tree at the farm is not for everyone. But some consider cutting their own tree a family tradition or they would like to make it one. For some, tree cutting reminds them of Christmases past, when all was right with the world if under the tree they found Davy Crocket’s Alamo Playset, a Barbie doll or a Hot Wheels track.

The Georges sell Leyland Cypress trees that work beautifully indoors, said Jo George, who owns the farm and nursery along with husband Kip, who is a doctor.

“Leyland Cypress drop very little, and they last a lot longer than trees you get at a store because those trees have been cut often in late September or October and they may be dying by the time you get them,” Jo said. “Fresh trees last longer and the Leyland Cypress tends to be low allergenic and have very soft needles.”

The Georges have about 4,000 trees, ranging from tiny seedlings to trees 10- to 12-feet high, half of them can be cut or dug for replanting, Jo said.

Their trees are also being sold by several local organizations trying to raise money, such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cowart Elementary School, First Friends Preschool and possibly through Lindsay Lane Academy, Jo said. The groups make $1.50 per foot and some have already posted flyers.

Kip, who once had a family practice in Athens, began the tree farm four years ago while at the same time working as an emergency room physician at emergency rooms in Athens and Decatur.

“He really loves to go out there and work with the trees,” said Jo, who is a stay-at-home mom with three children — Sam, 15, who is home schooled and active in fishing tournaments; Finn, 8; and Tess, 5. The family also has five horses and four dogs.

“It’s a regular zoo around here,” Jo said.

Kip, a Missouri boy, and Jo, a London girl, met while traveling in Australia and later married.

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