Atlantans have dozens of places to pick up a freshly cut tree, but where do you go if you’re looking for the rigor and reward of cutting down your own Christmas tree?
Whether you want to go retro with your live evergreen purchase this year or you’ve always dreamed of cutting your own tree, these Atlanta-area tree farms can make make that fantasy come true.
You can enjoy the experience without environmental worry, too, since the Georgia Christmas Tree Association assures us that Christmas tree farms actually benefit the environment. The growing trees absorb CO2 and other gases and emit fresh oxygen along with stabilizing soil and providing refuge for wildlife. After the holiday, the trees can be repurposed as soil erosion barriers and fish-pond feeding areas or turned into mulch.
The GCTA does caution that those who are picking a tree from a cut-your-own farm should be aware that trees look much smaller midst other trees.
“The sky or clouds are a rather high ceiling,” the association posts on its website. “When you look at a tree in the field remember the height of your ceiling at home and select one that is at least 6 inches shorter.”
CHOOSE-AND-CUT
Various websites list Christmas tree farms, including the Georgia Christmas Tree Association (www.gacta.com) and Pick Your Own Christmas Tree (www.pickyourownchristmastree.org). Below you’ll find a sampling of what’s out there, including who’s offering extra holiday fun.
It can be a good idea to phone the farm ahead of time, particularly if you’re going to a smaller one with limited hours. Check with the farm or its website for the types of trees it grows and sells. For instance, Fraser firs do not grow in Georgia’s climate, but local farms may get them from North Carolina and sell them on site, along with the trees you can cut, such as Leyland cypresses.
Berry Patch Farms
786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, 770-926-0561, www.berrypatchfarms.net
Hours: Nov. 27-Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and Friday, Nov. 27; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. weekdays
Features: wreaths and tree stands, warm funnel cake and hot apple cider
Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm
5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming. 770-889-5235 or 706-429-3173, www.bottomstreefarm.com.
Hours: 3 p.m.-dark today; 9 a.m.-dark Nov. 23-26; 3 p.m.-dark Mondays-Fridays after Thanksgiving; 9 a.m.-dark Saturdays after Thanksgiving; closed Sundays.
Features: Hayrides on Nov. 25 and Saturdays. Complimentary marshmallow roast and apple cider. Farm animals on display. Homemade jams, jellies and bread. Custom-made wreaths. Tree stands.
Coker Tree Farm
2280 Macland Road, Marietta. 770-424-8047, cokertreefarm.com
Hours: Beginning Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. weekdays
Features: a sweet, simple choose-and-cut place with Murray Cypress, Leyland Cypress and the Carolina Sapphire
The Kinsey Family Farm
7170 Jot-em Down Road, Gainesville. 770-887-6028, www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com
Hours: Beginning Nov. 19, noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 , closed Thanksgiving, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday Nov. 25-Sunday Nov. 27
Features: holiday music, marshmallow roasting and hot chocolate, wagon rides
Rex Christmas Tree Farm
950 Wilkerson Road, Rex. 770-474-3416, www.rextreefarm.com.
Open Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve. Hours: 3 p.m.-dark Mondays-Thursdays; daylight hours Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.
Features: Complimentary spiced hot cider, candy canes and cookies. Wreaths, tree stands and mistletoe are for sale.
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Tree Farm
628 Sleepy Hollow Road, Powder Springs. 770-942-6770, www.sleepyhollowtrees.com
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and noon-6 p.m. starting Nov. 25 and running until they don’t have any more trees
Features: hayrides, kids play area, “wilted” corn maze and farm animals
Smith’s Choose and Cut
230 Davis Road, Fayetteville. Trees sold at red barn across from house. 770-487-7474 or 770-487-0664.
Open year-round. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends.
Features: Saws provided, tree wrapping, refreshments.
Thompson’s Tree Farm
1829 Prospect Road, Lawrenceville. 770-513-2552, www.thompsonstreefarm.gacta.com.
Open through Dec. 18. Hours: 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 25. Noon-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.
Features: Hayrides on weekends. Goats and cows to feed. Gift shop with free hot chocolate and cider. Jams, jellies, wreaths and bows. Santa visits from 10:30 a.m-1 p.m. Dec. 5 and will be available for free picture taking with children.
Worthington Tree Farm
145 Twin Oaks Drive, Hampton. 770-478-4355 or 770-478-3677, www.georgiachristmastrees.com.
Selling season is through Dec. 20. Hours: 2:30-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 12:30-6 p.m. Sundays. Thanksgiving weekend: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday.
Features: Free hayrides to and from fields on weekend, weather permitting; children’s attractions, Christmas crafts, gifts, wreaths, bows, garland, tree decorations and more. Saws provided.
Yule Forest
3565 Highway 155 N., Stockbridge. 770-954-9356, aboutyule.com
Hours: 9 a.m.-dark starting Thanksgiving Day and closing a week or two before Christmas
No admission fee for the public during Christmas tree season
Features: complimentary hot apple cider and candy canes any day they’re open. On the weekends, the farm offers free hay rides and a petting zoo.
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