VCTGA_FALL18 NL

Farm Buildings Your buildings that commands the most attention to off limit customers would be your pesticide storage shed or building. By law signage is neces- sary to keep out customers from the- se facilities. A workshop is another building that should be off limits where mechanical repairs and work is done on equipment. If greenhouses are part of the farm business these too should be closed especially if there are holiday, seasonal plants growing such as poinsettias and Christmas cactus. They are day length plants meaning certain hours are needed to keep from disrupting equal day and night lighting. Ponds and Lakes Unlike me, most growers do not have a water feature on their tree farm. I am fortunate to have a two and one half acre pond or lake (from which my business is named). Without it I would not have the nursery or tree farm at my disposal. This is my main irrigation source for the nursery and can irrigate much of the tree fields as well when necessary. Many farms locally have lakes and irrigation ponds for the purpose to irrigate to- bacco, soybeans, corn and sweet po- tatoes when needed. They have over the years also been a source of recre- ation for bass and bluegill fishing and sometimes swimming in sum- mer. However, ponds and streams can be a cause for concern when visi- tors come to the farm. Here, it is a must that proper signage be enforced such as DEEP WATER DANGER or OWNER NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS. In most cases the law is on the side of the farm owner if proper signage exists. When the season opens I am con- cerned for families with their chil- dren. My lake is the focal point on the farm and families love the walk around the perimeter especially when the bright , colorful maple leaves are

Ponds and lakes provide beauty to the property, but hazards are there. Signage is important around bodies of water. Ponds and lakes provide beauty to the property, but hazards are there. Signage is important around bodies of water.

shedding from the trees. I also built a forty five foot pier over the water and a short dock at the overflow pipe. This is where the danger lies if children get too close the edge and a accident occurs. I have observed children running off energy too near the water, parents not looking and a tragedy can happen. Fortunately, no accident has occurred. Families and professional photographers uses the pond as a backdrop for family holi- day photographs. It is my responsi- bility to inspect the pier for worn out flooring and anything else that could be a hazard. A pond or lake adds more responsibility and time for safety and upkeep in general than any other part of the farm. Woodland Trails I have several families who make it a tradition after their tree purchase to walk the woodland trails with their small children. For years I developed a system of walking trails for others to enjoy. Here again, liability be- comes an issue. Existing hazards do occur such as running tree roots on top of the ground and fallen logs.

Keeping these trails clear is a winter job and also in the fall before the leaves fall. I have taken the system of marked trails that state and national forests uses to keep walkers on the trails. Paint blazes on trees is done to ensure the walkers are on the right path. My many mountain hikes caus- es me observe the layout of the ter- rain, be it flat or sloping and the presence of natural obstacles such as boulders, logs and large, fallen tree branches. If you have wood lot on your farm keep in mind a trail system since many customers come and want to spend some time for the ex- perience. Hay Rides Some tree farms offers hay rides to add to the adventure of being on a farm or rural setting. I never have nor do I intend to offer such. The liability here is too great. It is the utmost im- portance that tractors and wagons be kept in top operating condition. Be sure the farm paths or roads are in good, solid condition. Farm tractor accidents ranks among the highest occurences on the farm be it for working or pleasure outings.

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Fall 2018

12 |

VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2018

13