Its known by customers as Farmer Dave’s Tree Farm, a small family run operation. “It was either in ’94 or ’95 we started planting trees here, and we’re still at it,” says Dave Vickers with a smile. In all, Vickers has worked 40 years in the tree growing business. He’s still growing for the future with hundreds of trees at different levels of maturity. Vickers says it takes ten years to grow a good tree. It’s demanding work, and like all farming dependent on things like bugs and the weather.
“Mother Nature is your boss and you try to stay ahead of her,” says Vickers.
But the pay-off from all that planning and hard work comes around every year at this time.
“The neighborhood kids call him Farmer Dave and we hear over and over again that we are part of their tradition,” says Linda Broussard-Vickers.
Some families return year after year, even from generation to generation. Dave Vickers says that tradition works both ways because customers make them feel good.
“The customers are so happy they’re in a good mood, winter’s coming and the spirit of Christmas, its just a fun time,” says Vickers.
This year tree sellers across the country say business is better than usual. A mention in a neighborhood app brought new customers here, and Dave’s supply of 240 trees is down to a few. It could also have something to do with the need for something normal in a crazy year.
“It’s an extension of people doing things with their family….,” says Broussard-Vickers.
For Dave and Linda, some of the enjoyment comes from watching people decide on their perfect tree.
“All I know… that’s how nature grows them.
After working on a tree farm in high school, Vicks says he promised himself he would never do that again. But now after 40 years, he says he’ll continue as long as his health remains good.
