History of Kluck Nursery
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| Walter |
Frieda |
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Gerald
& Sally Kluck |
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| Edward
& Ruth Kluck |
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Tom
& Karen Kluck |
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Kluck Nursery, Inc. is a third generation nursery operation, having its beginning in the late 1920’s when its founder, Walter Kluck, planted an acre or two of evergreens. Walter, with the help of his wife, Frieda, continued to plant nursery stock to supply our local customers. This part-time, “Dig Your Own” nursery was operated hand in hand with a full time dairy farm. Two sons joined them in the operations; Edward focused on farming, and Gerald on the nursery. In 1960 the dairy herd was sold, and Edward and Gerald became partners in the nursery business. In 1981 Gerald’s son, Tom, joined Gerald and Edward until 1987 when Edward retired. Gerald remained very active in field production and overall general planning until his retirement in 1999. Tom is now the president of the nursery business.
With
increased sales and demand for nursery stock the dig-your-own philosophy
changed to a full-service wholesale and retail nursery. The nursery began to feature both
stock on hand, and custom digging of special orders. Delivery service
was initiated in 1982, and continues to fill the needs of Kluck’s
customers. Job-site deliveries have been especially beneficial for the
customer.
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With the passing of years, the reputation of Kluck Nursery’s high quality nursery stock continued to spread, allowing for steady, yet manageable growth in production. The original site of Kluck Nursery consisted of 160 acres. Over the past twenty years, this has been increased to 470 acres. Of the 470 acres, 300 are in nursery production. During the 1970’s with the increasing demand for year-round plant availability, and on the spot pick up, a container growing operation was initiated. This operation now encompasses 30 acres of the original farm.
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The field operation specializes in Taxus, shade and ornamental trees, and a complete line of deciduous shrubs. One important element of the container operation is the selection and distribution of a wide variety of dwarf conifers, topiaries, and weeping ornamentals.
Composite sales consist of wholesale nursery stock 75%, retail nursery stock 20%, and the 70 year old “Choose ‘N’ Cut” Christmas tree operation 5%. Over the years, the pruning of these Christmas trees has afforded full-time employees year-round work. Kluck Nursery currently employs 20 full time employees, and peaks at 45 in the summer season.
Kluck Nursery plants about 6,000 Christmas trees annually, and sells about 4,500 each year. They specialize in white spruce, which shape up beautifully and hold their needles well with the Kluck’s precise fertilizer program. They also grow Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, and Scotch Pine. They offer pre-cut trees, which are grown in their fields. They sell about 250 pre-made, decorated wreaths, and distribute 12,000 popcorn balls at their pay station each year. Additionally, in the past few years, free dog biscuits have been distributed to many of our customers’ animal friends.
Kluck Nursery, Inc. continues to be an exciting and profitable operation, stressing the Christian principles that have built this successful company.
