Better Forest Tree Seeds was started in 1975 by Edgar H. Palpant through his research in tree genetics while working at The Pennsylvania State University. At that time the nursery industry in Pennsylvania was striving to make progress by incorporating a larger variety of conifer species, especially in the production of Christmas Trees. The industry was looking for evergreens that would adapt well to the climate of the Northeastern United States.

These and other industry goals gave Edgar the opportunity to use his expansive knowledge of the Southwest Rocky Mountain range which was obtained by working with the U.S. Forest Service from 1948 through 1965. With this knowledge he gathered a variety of seed sources and brought them back east for testing, Our business continued to grow as the demand for a more consistent supply of seed was required.

In 1993 the transition of ownership began from Edgar to Chris Kiratzis and Bob Nicholl, owners of Tuckaway Tree Farm, Inc. They foresaw the benefits of blending the tree seed business with their experience in growing Christmas Trees and other landscape plants. In 2019, Bob Nicholl retired and Chris’ youngest son Christos joined Better Forest Tree Seeds now making it a third generation family business.

Our goal has always been to understand tree growers problems, to sort out the genetic components and do our best to produce seed that will fit their ecological and economic needs. We work worldwide with both researchers and field foresters to produce the highest quality tree seeds both genetically and physiologically.

Thank you for your interest in our company.

Chris and Christos Kiratzis