A few years ago, Jesse and Katy Wells visited a Christmas tree farm to pick out a beautiful specimen that would take center in their home through the holiday season. While there, a seed was planted in both of their minds.
After loading the tree and heading toward home, the couple discovered the visit had sparked the same idea for both: why not start up their own Christmas tree farm?
Jesse confesses neither had any real idea what all is involved in establishing a business and specifically a tree-growing business. But once decided, they never wavered.
The couple, who in 2014 had bought a home on 12 acres of land off Franklin Road, located in the northeast part of Norman, already had the “where”; now they needed to answer the “when” and “how”. By February 2015, Jesse and Katy began planning in earnest.
They conducted research on types of trees that will grow in Oklahoma and starting a business, and they joined the Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association, where they found like-minded individuals who generously shared information and supported and mentored the couple. (Jesse rotated off as president of the organization last year.)
They started by planting two kinds of trees, but only one, the Virginia pine, flourished.
“We really didn’t have a clue, even with all the reading and research,” Jesse said. “We found you have to experience everything firsthand to really understand it. There’s a five-year crop rotation, and each of those years was a new learning experience.
The couple launched their first Christmas tree sale in 2017, before their own trees had reached maturity, offering pre-cut trees from other northern states. They sold some 400 trees that first year.
Along the way, Jesse and Katy discussed ways they could grow their business and begin building a new holiday tradition in their community.
In 2018, Jesse and Katy started what was to become an annual event: an “under the stars” viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Despite the cold, some 125 people showed up. This year’s movie weekend is set for Nov. 12 and 13 at 4:30 p.m.; Christmas Vacation will be shown on the 12th, Elf on the 13th.
In 2019 they launched Christmas Market at the Farm; the event, held in October, was a hit and is now an annual offering. This year’s market has grown like everything else they do. The farm was abuzz with over 60 vendors selling everything from holiday decor and apparel to sugar cookies and cocoa bombs, food trucks, two music acts, a magician and pet adoptions. With around 2,000 visitors during their one-day market, it just proves they are well on the way to establishing that new holiday tradition in their community.
This year, the Wells have amped up their offerings. The farm opens the day after Thanksgiving at 10 a.m. This year, they will have some 300 of their own trees for sale, along with different varieties of pre-cut trees for a total of 1,600 trees. They have also become the experts on delivering large trees to local businesses. This year, they have secured a 52’ White Fir for Selah’s Christmas celebration, along with several trees over 20’ tall.
In addition to the Christmas trees, tree stands and lights, the farm has many beautiful live fresh wreaths and garlands. The farm also operates a gift shop during the holidays, where visitors can buy Wells Christmas Tree Farm merchandise as well as other items, many suitable for holiday giving, and Christmas decorations. You will find everything you need to start off your holiday season. In addition, people may book the farm for small special events throughout the year.
Noting that the farm is truly a husband-and-wife effort, Jesse said they just continue “to follow our hearts and trust God will get us through—whether we get it right or wrong!
“We had to learn everything, from growing trees to supply chain issues, to marketing and special events, and more. But we are blessed with a huge community of supporters who we see more as an extended family rather than just customers.”
Jesse and Katy keep an eye out for other ways they can help their extended family. For example, when a friend of theirs from church mentioned they had a car to give away and was looking for someone in need of one, the couple contacted Food & Shelter to help identify someone. They then invited the woman out to the farm on the pretext of letting her select a tree for free. When she arrived, she was presented with the free tree—and the car.
In another instance, when another woman called asking about the price of a tree for her and her nine adopted and foster children, they gave her the tree for free and even had other friends donate cash to help them with their Christmas expenses.
The couple, who both have other “day” jobs—he’s in Devon Energy’s IT department she’s an instructor at Stoic Strength and Fitness in Norman—also give of their time and money to their church (Victory Family Church), their son Luke’s school (Community Christian) and various philanthropic causes, including Bridges in Norman and Possibilities in Oklahoma City, as well as several organizations that help addicts and alcoholics in recovery. Jesse additionally serves on the Robin Hill School board.
Looking to the future, Jesse remarked: “We always go back to our start, and as we mentioned our ‘where’, ‘when’ and ‘how,’ our most important question is always our ‘why’ we do what we do. Our purpose and desire is to continue to honor God and try to live a life of service, to give back to our community, and to stay focused on that and not get too tied up in the future. Our immediate business goal is to make the farm the best experience that it can be every time you visit. We want it to be a true “Hallmark” experience, complete with live Christmas music, Santa, hot chocolate, apple cider and pumpkin cookies. Ultimately, our audacious goal is to do for our community what someone like the Gaines have done with Magnolia in Waco.”
Wells Christmas Tree Farm
4091 E. Franklin Road
Norman, OK 73026
Social media: WellsChristmasTrees.com; Facebook @wellschristmastrees