And we’re back with Trixie’s Guide to Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree! 

Below is a list of local farms that offer cut-your-own Christmas trees. They also offer festive decorations for your home, like wreaths and garland, gifts, visits with Santa, and more! Grab your friends and bundle up for a day of memory-making in your pursuit for that perfect pine!

Wait, what? Douglas Fir? Fraser Fir? What’s the difference? Fret not, all varieties are popular because of their quintessential conical shape, strong spicy signature scent, and sturdy branches perfect for hanging those gaudy heavy ornaments. More specific information on the different varieties you might encounter is right below.

• Balsam Fir
  • Dark green needles with a slight silver highlight, the Balsam Fir branches are often used for wreaths and garland. They’re known for their thick dense foliage and strong fragrance that have inspired candle scents for decades.
• Fraser Fir
  • The biggest difference between the Fraser and Balsam Fir is the color.  The Fraser lends towards the yellowish side of green.  So if you’re concerned with coordinated hues, the Fraser Fir may be perfect.
• Canaan Fir
  • One of the newest varieties on the market, the rich green Canaan Fir is known as the hybrid between the Balsam and Fraser. A milder fragrance, for those who might have sensitive olfactories, Canaans are also known for great needle retention, if daily vacuuming isn’t your thing.
• Douglas Fir
  • Dark green needles have almost a bluish tone with Douglas Firs. Also known for their rich fragrance, up to 50% of the christmas trees grown in the US are Douglas Firs.
• Scotch Pine
  • Of all the varieties mentioned here, the Scotch Pine stands out for its wintery piney look. A milder scent and longer needles in bulbous clusters on super strong branches, the Scotch Pine is also great if low-maintenance is a priority. Did you know that the Scotch Pine is the national tree of Scotland?  

Cold Spring Tree Farm

42 Cold Spring Road, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-628

The closest option to the city of Hudson, Cold Spring Tree Farm’s opening day was Black Friday, November 24th. They offer a cut-your-own selection of Fraser, Balsam, and Douglas Firs for $70. Pre-cut premium Fraser and Balsam firs will also be available for $95. Check out their Green Shop for wreaths and greenery arrangements. They are known for selling out of pretty early, so better not wait.

Battenfeld’s Christmas Tree Farm

856 Route 199, Red Hook, NY 12571 (845) 758-8018

Located in Dutchess County, Battenfeld’s opening day was November 24 until mid December, 8am-4pm. Cut Your Own Christmas Trees are priced $90. Custom wreaths starting at $45 and many other holiday accoutrements for your home. Check out their website for their Santa Schedule and live music

McDonough’s Farm

28 Gilligan Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061 (518) 477-4841

Heading north of Hudson to East Greenbush, McDonough’s Farm offers Cut Your Own and Pre-Cut trees, up to 8 feet, for $75.  Last entry to the field is 4pm, open Saturday and Sundays 9am-5pm, Monday, Thursdays, and Fridays 10am-6pm, and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Veeder’s Tree Farm

1235 High Hill Road, Earlton, NY 12058 (518) 731-8585

Jumping across the river into Greene County, Veeder’s Tree Farm really has everything for a festive day. Open week days from 1 – 5pm and weekends 9am–5pm. Offering Balsom, Fraser, and Cannon Firs, as well as Spruce and Scotch Pine.

Whether pre-cut or not, now that you have that perfect tree safely transported home, what’s next? There are a few simple but important things to keep in mind when caring for a live Christmas tree. Check out these tips to make sure your tree makes it all season long.