The dream to be Christmas tree farmers became a reality in the spring of 1997 when Gary and Joanne Nelson, owners of Nelson Family Tree Farms, planted their first crop of Fraser Fir on a farm 4 miles west of Wild Rose, home of the Nelson family.
 
Gary Nelson, President of Nelson Family Tree Farms, LLP worked for the G.R. Kirk Christmas Tree Company from 1977-2007. Gary worked under the tutelage and was inspired by many of the Kirk Company team of experts. He was hired as a field foreman in 1977, promoted to Field Manager in 1984, and District Manager in 1991. In 1997, the Kirk family discontinued the planting program in the Wisconsin division. Encouraged and supported by the Kirk family, Gary started a planting program independently.
 
The Nelson family has a long-standing history of working in the Christmas tree business. Gary’s wife, Joanne also worked seasonally for The Kirk Company from1980-2006. Joanne continues to be involved in helping with the family business.
 
While growing up, all three of the Nelson children, Nicole, Sarah, and Michael worked shearing, painting, harvesting, tallying, loading trucks, and many other jobs, which involved the planting, production, and harvest of Christmas Trees.
 
Nelson Family Tree Farms planting program continues to expand. Nelson’s Son Michael is the Field Manager, and wife Joanne works in sales and shipping. Nelson Family Tree Farms produces quality Fraser Firs for customers in the United States and Canada.