Gandy Christmas Tree Farm

The Gandy Christmas Tree Farm was located at 18783 Union Road near Vance in Tuscaloosa County (map). It was owned and operated by Billy and Katie Gandy out of their home from 1990 to 2012.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple wondered what to do with the 27 acres of land that had belonged to Katie's family for generations. Billy planted about 250 Virginia pines around 1990, which were ready by 1994, when they made their first few sales. As time passed, they added Leyland Cypress and Murray Cypress to their plantings. The couple also sold wreaths woven by Katie and wooden items made by Billy. Once they were established, the couple sold approximately 500 trees each year.

With their grandchildren grown, meaning less help, the couple began planting less trees around 2010 and finally retired after the 2012 Christmas season. They plan to convert their farm to some other type of plant.

References

• Eaton, Kim. (December 2, 2012). "Last year for longtime Christmas tree farm." Tuscaloosa News.