The National Christmas Tree is illuminated on the Ellipse. Official White House Photograph by Lawrence Jackson
If the Christmas carols jingling from every store and endless twinkling lights didn’t tip you off, it’s time to begin preparing for the bustle of the holiday season. And if you’re one of the brave souls not permanently scarred by the opening scenes of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Clark Griswold’s harrowing quest for the perfect tree, choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree can be a great place to start.
Luckily, there are myriad tree farms in the Washington area for you to choose from. All you’ll need is access to a car, and you can be on your way to finding your perfect holiday tree. Many of the farms even offer cider, hot chocolate, or gift shops chock-full of holiday decorations to get you in the spirit.
Before piling in the car for a day of good, old-fashioned family fun, remember to measure the area you plan to place your tree so you know what height your home can accommodate. And don’t forget to bundle up and wear sturdy boots capable of handling the muddy terrains of most farms this time of year.
Once you’ve returned home with your prize, place it in water as soon as possible to avoid drying it out and minimize needle loss. Lowering the room temperature will also slow the drying process. For more information on holiday safety, tree care tips, or to find a post-holiday tree recycling center near you, visit christmastree.org.
MARYLAND
BUTLER’S ORCHARD, 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown
Trees available: Canaan firs ($54.95), Douglas firs ($54.95), and white pines ($45.95).
Payment: Cash, check, and Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Services: Saws provided; complimentary shaking, bailing, and tie-down available.
Extras: Munch on a caramel apple and sip fresh, hot cider as you browse through the country Christmas store, which sells custom wreaths and locally grown apples. Newfoundland dogs will cart your tree to the car December 3 and December 10 from 11 to 2.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 to 5:30 through December 23 (closing at 4 on December 24). 301-428-0444. butlersorchard.com.
FRIENDSHIP TREES, 6950 Route 778, Friendship
Trees available: Douglas firs ($54), Fraser firs ($54), Norway spruces ($54), and white pines ($47).
Payment: Cash, check, and all credit cards accepted.
Services: Saws and carts provided, along with complimentary shaking. $2 for bailing. No chainsaws allowed.
Extras: Kids up to age 10 can enjoy a treasure hunt while Mom and Dad shop for wreaths and Christmas ornaments in the gift shop.
Open Monday through Friday 1 to 4:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 4:30 PM. 301-855-5756.
GAVER TREE FARM, 5501 Detrick Rd., Mt. Airy
Trees available: Blue spruces ($60), Canaan firs ($40), concolor firs ($60), Douglas firs ($40), Scotch pines ($40), and white pines ($30).
Payment: Cash, Visa, and MasterCard accepted.
Services: Saws, carts, shaking, bailing, drilling, tree hauling, and tie-down provided.
Extras: Little tykes can stay amused at a petting zoo; parents can shop for wreaths, greenery, tree stands, and centerpieces while sipping hot cider from the concessions.
Open daily 9 to 5 through December 23. 301-865-3515. gavertreefarm.com.
HOMESTEAD FARM, 15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville
Trees available: Norway spruces and Scotch pines (all trees $49).
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover accepted.
Services: Saws, rope, netting, shaking, tie-down, and bailing provided. No chainsaws.
Extras: Wreaths, jams, jellies, apples, and broccoli also sold.
Open Friday through Sunday 9 to 5, until trees are sold out. 301-977-3761. homestead-farm.net.
LINDEN HILL TREE FARM, 4102 Old Crain Hwy., Upper Marlboro
Trees available: Blue spruce, Douglas firs, Norway spruces, and white pines ($55 to $90).
Payment: Cash or local check accepted.
Services: Saws, bailing, netting, and tie-down provided.
Extras: Enjoy a hot dog, hot chocolate, and hot or spiced apple cider while you browse the farm.
Open Friday through Sunday 8:30 to 4:30, through December 11. 301-627-3768. lindenhillchristmastreefarm.com.
PINE VALLEY FARM, 1150 Fannie Dorsey Rd., Sykesville
Trees available: Concolor firs, Douglas firs, Fraser firs, and blue spruces ($46 to $99).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws, carts, tree drilling, bailing, and tie-down provided. No chainsaws.
Extras: Browse handmade wreaths, crafts, and fresh fruit in the barn. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Open Monday through Friday 9 to 6, and Saturday and Sunday 9 to 5, through December 23. 410-795-8314. pinevalleyfarms.com.
ROCKY TOP TREE FARM, 26010 Long Corner Rd., Gaithersburg
Trees available: Canaan firs and Douglas firs ($25 to $55).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws, shaking, netting ($2) and tie-down provided.
Open Tuesday through Sunday 9 to 4, through December 24. 301-253-4750.
R&K TREES, 20701 Slidell Rd., Boyds
Trees available: Canaan firs, concolor firs, Douglas firs, Fraser firs, and Norway spruces ($55 for up to eight feet; $70 for taller than eight feet).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws and tie-down provided; netting offered for $2.
Extras: Handmade wreaths are also available for purchase.
Open Monday through Friday 3 to 5, and Saturday and Sunday 9 to 4, through December 18. 301-972-9355.
SEPPI EVERGREENS, 17409 Queen Anne Bridge Rd., Bowie
Trees available: Douglas firs and Fraser firs ($120 flat rate).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws, twine, and tie-down provided.
Open daily 9 to 4:30 through December 24. 301-249-7412.
TANNER’S ENCHANTED FORREST, 14300 Baden Westwood Rd., Brandywine
Trees available: Blue spruce, Douglas firs, Fraser firs, Norway spruces, Scotch pines, and white pines ($30 to $60).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws and tie-down provided. Assistance with cutting also available. No chainsaws.
Extras: Enjoy complimentary hot spice tea, cookies and candy canes, whether you buy a tree or not.
Open Saturday and Sunday 7 to 5, through December 24. 301-579-2238. tannerstrees.com.
TLV TREE FARM, 15155 Triadelphia Mill Rd., Glenelg
Trees available: Canaan firs ($56), Douglas firs ($56) and white pines ($40).
Payment: Cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard accepted.
Services: Saws, shaking, bailing, drilling, and tie-down provided. No chainsaws.
Extras: Don’t miss Santa appearances on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 4. Mom and Dad can shop for Christmas decorations, wreaths, garlands, and pottery while the little ones get their photo taken with Santa. Dogs on leashes welcome.
Open Monday through Thursday 12 to 5, and Friday through Sunday 9 to 5, through December 18. 410-489-4460. TLVtreefarm.com.
VIRGINIA
ASHCROFT FARM, 751 Kitchen La., Whitepost
Trees available: Austrian pines, balsam firs, blue spruces, concolor firs, Douglas firs, Meyer’s spruces, Norway spruces, Serbian spruces, and white pines ($5 a foot for all pines; $7 a foot for all spruces and firs).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws, bailing, and tie-down provided. No chainsaws.
Extras: Shop for Christmas cards, ornaments, bows, and wreaths while sipping on complimentary hot cider.
Open Friday through Sunday 10 to 4, through December 18. 540-837-1240. ashcroftfarm.com.
DAY STAR FARM, 41374 Reservoir Rd., Leesburg
Trees available: Blue spruces ($60), Norway spruces ($50), Scotch pines ($40), white pines ($40), and white spruces ($50).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws, bailing, cutting, carry to car, and tie-down provided.
Extras: Complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes are available. Homemade cookies are also sold by the owner’s granddaughter.
Open Saturday 9 to 5, and Sunday noon to 5, through December 18. 703-327-6269. daystarfarm.net.
MOOSE APPLE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, 2425 Wickliffe Rd., Berryville
Trees available: Blue spruces ($55), concolor firs ($55), Douglas firs ($55), Norway spruces ($55), Scotch pines ($40), white pines ($40), and white spruces ($55).
Payment: Cash, check, and credit cards accepted.
Services: Saws, shaking, drilling, bailing, and tie-down provided. No chainsaws.
Extras: Wreaths and swags are made fresh daily and sold in the gift shop.
Open Monday through Friday 10 to dark, and Saturday and Sunday 9 to dark, through December 24. 540-955-2450. mooseapplechristmastreefarm.com.
SNICKERS GAP CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, 34350 Williams Gap Rd., Round Hill
Trees available: Colorado blue spruces, Douglas firs, and Norway spruces ($65 to $110).
Payment: Cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard accepted.
Services: Saws, twine, shaking, and bailing provided. Bungee cords or tie-down straps recommended. No chainsaws.
Extras: Complimentary hot apple cider is available. Leashed dogs are permitted.
Open Monday through Friday noon to dark, and Saturday and Sunday 9 to dark, through December 24. snickersgaptrees.com.
SPRUCE ROCK FARM, 591 Lester Utz La., Brightwood
Trees available: Blue spruces ($80 to $90), Canaan firs ($70), Douglas firs ($50), and Scotch pines ($50).
Payment: Cash or check accepted.
Services: Saws, shaking, bailing, and tie-down provided. No chainsaws.
Extras: Complimentary hot chocolate or cider are available. Browse vintage Christmas items, pottery, and wreaths in the gift shop. Open Saturday and Sunday 10 to 4, through December 24. 540-543-2253 or 703-201-7458. virginiachristmastrees.org/farms/sprucerock/index.html.
TICONDEROGA FARMS, 26469 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly
Trees available: Red cedars, Leyland cypress, Scotch pines, Virginia pines, and white pines ($36.95 to $79.95).
Payment: Cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard accepted.
Services: Saws, twine, shaking, drilling, cutting, trimming, and bailing provided. $5 loading fee. No chainsaws.
Extras: Enjoy hot or cold drinks, turkey legs, hot dogs, pizza, chips, and popcorn or kettle corn from the concessions while you shop for wreaths, garlands, holly, mistletoe, and more.
Open Friday through Sunday 10 to 5, through December 24. 703-327-4424. ticonderoga.com.
