In the mid-1970's Dennis and Nancy Foster purchased 10 acres of neglected farmland and a farmhouse built in 1866. Dennis had a dream to fulfill---to start a Christmas tree farm and run it his way. First step was to divide the farmland into blocks and plant one block a year to sustain a continuing supply of mature trees. In 1977 the first block of seedlings was planted, but almost half of the trees were lost to drought and inexperience. In 1978 we replanted, and we planted a second block. With a little experience and more rain, losses were lower. We continued to plant a new block each spring with minimal losses. By 1982 a few trees were ready for harvest and we were finally into a choose & cut retail operation -- Holly Ridge Tree Farm. Two years later, another drought hit with severe losses, but we replanted and by 1986 the entire farm was planted.

The next five years went fine with growing, pruning, selling and replanting. We purchased some adjacent acreage in 1994, and in early 2000 sold some land to an insurance company to build their southern New Jersey office facility. We continue to operate with 8+ acres of trees at varying stages of growth.

We make and decorate fresh wreaths and grave blankets throughout the selling season using the greens from our fields.

To provide the best trees possible, we..

• analyze the soil in the various sections of the farm and replenish the soil for good tree growth, health and color
• keep the grass cut all year to minimize weed control
• hand prune every tree each summer
• control the number of trees we sell each year to ensure we have an adequate number of mature trees for the coming year.

We're delighted that our son, Jeff, is now a full partner in the company. He has worked with us since he was a young boy and is taking over operations as we ease into retirement.

We're still experimenting to make our trees better for you. Dennis and Jeff are often asked to speak to other growers to share their knowledge and experience.