FAQs

How can you become a member?

You can contact, Susan Grelinger, Secretary of KCTGA, through our email, kctga@kctga.com or by calling her at 316-733-0918. You can find our Membership application HERE.

What is it mean to be a member?

An Active Membership is defined as, "any person, firm or corporation actively engaged in producing Christmas trees grown in Kansas, and any person who has a technical background and training in the growing of Christmas tree and forestry, who resides in Kansas, is eligible to become an active member of the Assocaition. Annual dues are $55.00.

How long is your membership?

One year.

When are your meetings?

We have two a year. Our winter meeting is held the 4th week of January in Manhattan, KS. Our summer meetings is the 1st Saturday in June @ the selected Christmas tree farm. (It could be yours!)

How can I be an Associate Member?

These members are defined as, "any person, firm or corporation actively engaged in phases of the Christmas tree industry, other than growing, such as suppliers of equipment, planting stock, buyers of trees or other services, is eligible for Associate Membership. Associate members have the privilege of the floor in Assocation meetings, but may not vote. Annual dues are $35.00

How many members are there?

This year we have 39 Active Members and 2 Associate Members.

How many years have you been in exsistence?

Around the 1950s.

How do I start my own tree farm?

Joining our organization is a wonderful resource to helping you start your own farm. At both our meetings we have a plethora of speakers that present useful information to us. Dave Bruton, from the KS Forestry Department is usually on hand to help us with different species of pines, the types of diseases that plague our trees and overall a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Another intimidating factor in starting your own farm is the risk! The members of KCTGA offer over 500 years of experience (collectively, of course!) They are more than happy to share their successes and failures. It is a wonderful place to come together with questions and gain a variety of answers.

Recycle your Real Christmas Tree

After the holidays, a Real Christmas Tree keeps on giving:

1. Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard to provide winter shelter for small birds.

2. Before recycling, make bird feeders from the Christmas tree, adding color and excitement to the yard or winter garden. Hang special treats for the birds on the tree. Treats such as orange slices will attract birds, as will peanut butter spread on tree pine cones, or suet balls stuffed with sunflower seeds.

3. Sink the Christmas tree into a fish pond. Trees commonly are wired to cement blocks and sunk in 6 to 10 feet of water. They make excellent refuge and feeding areas for fish. Fish tend to concentrate in these areas. Some hide in the branches to escape predators, others feed on snails and aquatic insects found on the structures, and others seek the shaded areas during hot and sunny days.

4. Christmas Trees can be used as wildlife cover in fields, forests and other natural settings. Birds, rabbits and other small animals can use them as shelter during the winter months. These trees will eventually decay.

5. Christmas trees also make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches.

6. A Christmas tree is biodegradable. Its branches and needles make a good mulch in the garden.

7. Many cities and municipalities gather Christmas trees on special collection days and put them through shredders which chop them up into small pieces. The resulting mulch can then be used on walkways or paths. When used in flower beds, gardens, or as ground cover, the mulch provides a protective barrier for the roots of other plants and vegetation while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients that plants need to thrive.