A favorite holiday tradition in the Pacific Northwest is to wake up bright and early Thanksgiving weekend, bundle up, pack the saws, rope, and family, and cut down a Christmas tree. Few things beat the smell of freshly cut wood permeating the air joining with warm apple cider and peppermint drifting out from the barn.
Thankfully, we live in an area where finding a U-Cut tree farm isn’t too difficult and owners are excellent stewards of the land making it a wonderful experience. The only question becomes…which one to choose?
Here are our top 5 recommendations to help narrow it down. But check them out for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
And, to make life even easier – Curb-It (iPhone, Android) is available for on demand service to pick up your Christmas tree after the festivities are over. The best part? Proceeds will be donated to the Scouts of America!
Sunny Day Tree Farm – Sherwood, OR
Willamette valley is known for its wine, but what’s lesser known about this sunny spot is the 80-acre tree farm looking over the vast wine country. Sunny Day Tree Farm has one of the longer tree shopping seasons, beginning in mid-November, so if you’re ready for some Christmas spirit, they’re happy to accommodate. Santa is also known to make an appearance here, so be sure to bring your camera!
McMurtrey’s Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm – Redmond, WA
This is the sort of U-Cut Christmas tree farm you imagine being in the movies. Except it’s not! It has been family run for 30 years and aside being full of beautiful trees, is full of warmth, friendly people, and wonderful holiday traditions. Simply take a look at their Facebook page, and you’ll get a feel for the fun you’re in for.
Quail Creek Ranch Christmas Trees – Portland, OR
Sleigh rides, candy canes, hot apple cider…and of course trees! What more could you ask for when taking the family out for this beloved tradition? Quail Creek Ranch offers all this and more with over 30 years’ service and loyal clientele to back it up.
Coates Christmas Trees – Auburn, WA
Coates tree farm is more about than selecting the perfect Christmas tree. It’s a place where dogs are as welcome as families. It’s a place where smiles abound and holiday cheer, sweet treats, and all sorts of fun can be found.
Furrow Farms – Hillsboro, OR
As if trees weren’t beautiful enough on their own, Furrow Farms offers something most farms don’t: a little piece of Hollywood. That’s right, this family owned farm has been featured on NBC’s ‘Grimm’ and Better Homes & Gardens magazine. Also, a local favorite for its high-quality trees, knowledgeable staff, and candy canes – you can’t go wrong at Furrow Farms. And, if you are looking to rub elbows with the stars, consider Furrow Farms as your local boulevard. Their stars won’t give you the cold shoulder…they’re trees and cows, after all.
Be sure to either check the farm website for accepted methods of payment and pricing, or bring plenty of cash to pay for your tree and treats. Many Christmas tree farms are only able to accept cash or check. And please remember, these are working farms – the ground will be uneven. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a flashlight, and have a fun time!
A final tip: enjoy your tree as long as you like! After all, you went through all the effort and created all those memories cutting it down. Don’t feel you have to rush to take it down to get it out with the yard debris pick up or other such services. With a tap of the button (iPhone, Android), you can arrange at time at your convenience for Curb-It to retrieve and recycle your tree. Giving back to nature, as nature gave to you.