Trimming the Christmas tree is a holiday highlight for many families. The first step is selecting a tree, and if you are a family that chooses to cut one down, this can be a significant part of the tradition.
In the Pacific Northwest, there are many options for cutting down your own Christmas tree. Follow these tips to make this fun holiday tradition go as smoothly as possible.
If you don’t already have a favorite spot for selecting and cutting a tree, the first step is to find one. Proximity is often a factor, but you might decide it’s worth it to go a little out of your way to find the perfect tree. Below, we’ve listed some of our suggestions for where to cut your own tree in the Pacific Northwest:
The above are just a few examples of the many possible places to cut your own Christmas tree in the Pacific Northwest. You can find a comprehensive list of tree providers listed by state at this website. Always call before you head out to confirm that the farm is open and that they still have trees available.
In addition to farms like the ones listed above, did you know that you can cut your own Christmas tree from almost any U.S. National Forest? Check out the U.S. Forest Service’s guidelines for more details.
Before you venture out into the wild to find the perfect Christmas tree, make sure you know your size limits. Measure the distance from floor to ceiling where you plan to put the tree, and also know the maximum footprint size the space can handle. If you already have a tree base, make sure you know the maximum tree trunk diameter it will fit before you cut. It’s not always easy to judge the size of a tree, so bring your measuring tape along to avoid cutting one that’s too large or too small.
Some tree farms offer the convenience of paved roads, cutting assistance, and free baling. If you decide to go to a more rustic location, be prepared with the following items as appropriate:
If information on your chosen location isn’t readily available, consider calling ahead to ask about which of the above items you may want to bring. The more prepared you are in advance, the easier it will be to make this fun family tradition go as smoothly as possible.
When you get home, put your tree in water as soon as possible to keep it hydrated. Bring out the snacks, put on your favorite holiday music, and start decorating!