Since retirement in 1991 he became a full-time rancher and tree farmer. The pine trees complement the cattle operation by providing protection from cold winds in the winter and shading the hot sun in the summer. The presence of trees on the pastures has attracted wildlife, especially deer, turkey and a variety of birds.

During a Christmas vacation 15 years ago, Garber’s two sons, on vacation from the University of Florida, helped plant the first pine tree plantation on 50 acres of undeveloped ranch land. Subsequent plantations were done on improved pasture land. Garber planted pine trees in a pattern of two rows eight feet apart, with a 40-foot interval, then two more rows eight feet apart, and so on. This spacing provided excellent grazing and protection for cattle and a desirable environment for wildlife.

Garber has continued planting trees annually. On wetlands and in ponds on the ranch, he has planted bald cypress trees. He also has a container nursery where he grows live oak, cypress and other trees native to Florida.

The pine trees have limited economic value in south Florida right now. The price of pulp is low, and lumber and pulpwood mills are located in north Florida. Transportation costs are high, and mills are not buying wood as far away as south Florida. In north Florida, pine straw can be sold, but in south Florida, there is no market for pine straw.

However, there are tax benefits to planting the trees. Property taxes are lower for the improved acreage with the trees than for the improved pasture without the trees. And the trees have made the property more desirable and more valuable.