About our farm & operation
Laura and Doug started the nursery to replenish the native flora on the family farm.
Harvesting Black Maple seeds by the old railroad tracks.
the family farm
Oakland Farm has been a family operation since 1876. We've been primarily a cattle and tobacco farm, with some corn and soybeans, but as the 6th generation begins to farm, we're diversifying our enterprises. We're focusing on what's most important to us: continuing the family tradition on this land, being good stewards of the land and our animals, and investing in a healthy, green Kentucky for all generations. See some great shots of the farm in our new commercial.
The tree farmers
Doug Witt grew up on Oakland Farm and has always had a passion for farming, trees, and new ideas. Laura Greenfield, Doug Witt's niece, is a young farmer and represents the 6th generation of our family. In 2014, Doug and Laura began Oakland Farm Trees. Jo Greenfield, Doug’s sister and Laura’s mother, joined the tree operation in 2017 and is passionate about nurturing healthy, high-quality trees. You can find Doug, Laura, and Jo all across Kentucky sharing our love for trees, but the family business doesn’t stop with them. We work with incredible team members, crews, other family members, and friends to keep the nursery running, and we couldn’t do it without them!
why we choose native
Our nursery offers over 30 Kentucky native trees and shrubs because we’re passionate about the many benefits of growing native species. We love their beauty and hardiness, first of all. Then there’s the fact that they support all facets of our ecosystem - shelter and food for birds, symbiotic relationships formed across evolution with pollinators, habitat and sustenance for deer, turkey, and other wildlife neighbors. These woody plants want to be here! So many of you have told us that you share our passion, whether you’re interested in reforesting your property, planting one or more new trees in your yard, or giving a meaningful and living gift to a friend. We’re excited to provide plants to serve the growing interest in native landscapes!
Our customers
In 2014, we started selling trees at the Farmers Market of Paris & Bourbon County. From there we expanded to providing plants for a variety of public and private clients across Kentucky. Our easy to handle and transplant container plants are used by:
landowners reforesting, establishing conservation practices, and building wildlife habitat and food plots
farmers incorporating shade for livestock, silvopasture and agroforestry into their operations
stream restoration projects
native landscaping for homeowners, parks, and offices
reforestation events and tree giveaways
We’re proud and grateful to see our trees and shrubs thriving in their new forever homes across the state. Like at the African American Cemetary #2 in Lexington, Walter Bradley Park in Midway, the Wallis Home in Paris, Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, to name a few!
The Heirloom Collection
This our limited line of seedlings propagated from the mighty, centuries-old trees on our farm. Seedlings are occassionaly available for purchase at the nursery. Learn more here.
Contact Us to talk trees and come visit!
Doug Witt walking among the nursery.
Oakland Farm Trees Babe, one of our Heirloom Collection parent trees, is estimated 350+ years old. Look close - do you see Doug standing by the trunk?
Doug and Laura in the early days selling at the Paris Farmers’ Market.
Measuring a big Chinquapin Oak on a cold day at Oakland Farm (2016).