Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farms in Vermont
Every year my family sets out to find, and cut down, the biggest Christmas tree in Vermont. Our quest for the largest conifer is a bit absurd and some years we find ourselves going from one Vermont Christmas Tree Farm to the next. Luckily after living here for over twenty years we know a few farms where we can find one.
While there are plenty of charming tree farms in Vermont that offer sleigh rides or free hot cocoa we have our own litmus test for what makes a Christmas tree farm great. If it doesn’t take a tractor or ATV to pull it out of the woods chances are the farm probably doesn’t have trees big enough for us.
Before you set out to tag, cut, carry and bale your tree this season, check out a few of our favorite places to go.
Paine’s Christmas Trees
Located on Route 100, just a few miles past the center of Stowe, you will find Paine’s’ Christmas Tree Farm. Paine’s sixty-five acres of fields are set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Green Mountains making it one of the most picturesque places in Vermont to cut down a tree. Perhaps because this farm is so large it never feels crowded. Often times we have found ourselves alone in the fields.
Paine’s prunes their Fraiser Firs so they grow straight and tall. They have a nice even shape all around. They are actually pretty perfect. The oversized trees we seek though are found in their natural state and are located in the far back corner of the farm.
Luckily, staff on tractors constantly circle around the property looking to see if you need help. They’ll cut down your tree with a chainsaw and bring it, and your family, back to the parking lot. Once you arrive they are happy to bale it up and help you get to your car. While you pay the kids can grab even grab a candy cane from the shop. Larger trees are pricey. Anything over twelve feet will set you back over $100.
Russell Christmas Tree Farm
There is nothing more magical than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields in Vermont to cut down your Christmas tree. Queue the quintessential New England Christmas moment because Russell Christmas Tree Farm sets the bar pretty high.
Visitors to the farm are greeted warmly by members of the Russell Family who also double as their farm hands. While you wait for your sleigh to arrive, they’ll offer you a cup of steaming hot chocolate or a homemade cookie from their warming parlor. On your ride out to the fields, you’ll hear those sleigh bells jingling on the horses’ harnesses while families sing carols.
They provide saws for you to use or if need be, Dave will bring out his chainsaw and help you chop down your tree. Their staff will come back around to pick up it up and bring back to the barn.There your tree will be baled loaded into your vehicle. Often it takes at least five people to bale our tree. Dave and his family are so genuine and helpful. It is clear that they have the spirit of the holidays in mind which they share with all of the people who come to their farm.
Purinton Christmas Tree Farm
Purinton’s has really beautifully pruned trees and a lot of them. At last count, they had over 14,000 Balsam Firs on their land. Trees are $45 each, no matter what size you pick. Unfortunately for us the largest ones they have are approximately 9-10 feet high.
Before they bale your tree, they’ll put it on a tree shaker. It takes off all of those loose needles before you get it home to your house. That alone makes a good case for me to get a smaller tree from here in the future. They also have wreaths, kissing balls and maple syrup for sale.
Don’t you just love Vermont? We’d love to hear about your Christmas Tree Cutting traditions. Leave us a comment below.
This looks like so much fun. I confess I’ve never gone to a tree farm. But in Vermont! It must be so magical there with all the snow and romantic landscapes.
It is so much fun and beautiful especially when it snows.
I’ve loved reading about your Christmas tree hunting! It makes our trip to the local forestry commission site – or worse, garden centre! – seem very tame by comparison. From now on I’m going to be dreaming of riding between avenues of snowy trees on a horse-drawn sleigh instead. Would love to see a picture of your tree when you’ve got it installed!
I love Vermont, and seeing this tree farm makes me want to visit next winter! The tree in that first photo looks about 10 feet tall!
That tree is more like 18-20 feet tall 🙂 We usually average out somewhere around 17 feet!
Nice story with useful tips, Dana.
Thank you Tom!