Every year, my family goes Christmas tree hunting with my husband’s parents. And every year, my mother-in-law breaks into “Oh Tanenbaum” as we pick the perfect tree, she and my father-in-law then shout “timber” as the tree comes down, and they follow it up with the same joke they recite every year. “We went to school with a Tim Burr. Get it? Tim-Burr.” And we all can’t help but giggle.
At some point, singing at the tree farm may embarrass my sons, but for now it’s adorable, and more importantly, it’s tradition.
If you are just starting your tradition, or want to shake things up and try something new this year, ThurtstonTalk has the list to get you started on the hunt for the perfect tree—one that will put you in the holiday mood, and may even make you sing.
Before you pile into the rig, make sure you have boots, gloves, and hats. Half the fun of U-cut Christmas trees is the authenticity of hand-picking your tree from the grove. But that means mud, cold, and tree sap. Be prepared. You may also want to bring a handsaw and twine; however most farms have a supply available to use. Also keep in mind, most farms are family-run and accept cash or personal check only.
1. Ames Christmas Tree Farm
Row after row of beautiful trees line the property at Ames Christmas Tree Farm. Is your favorite tree the Noble, with its bluish hue and spacious branches? Or is it a Douglas fir, bushy, fragrant, and full? Whatever your preference, Ames pleases. They offer beautiful wreaths as well. Ames’ Facebook page has a recent post about their staff assisting with the cut if needed, and an open invitation to call for special requests, such as military on leave, or needing a tree for your business or office.
Opening date: November 28
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to dusk
Prices: All trees $25; wreaths $20.
Location: 4115 Baker Ames Road NE, Olympia, 360.357.3155
2. Black Lake Trees U-Cut
Black Lake Trees U-Cut has been selling lush lovely Christmas trees — Dougs, Grands, Norways and Nobles — from their South Olympia farm for 25 years. With more than 20 acres to browse, it’s really a nice treat to get outside and enjoy the splendor of nature while picking your perfect tree. They provide saws and carts, and will help you net and load. They even have easy-to-use tree stands available for purchase.
Opening date: Open daily through December 24
Hours: Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to dusk, Monday through Thursday, 2:00 p.m. to dusk
Prices: Prices start at $25 for Douglas firs. $10 for Charlie Browns (not-quite-perfect). Credit cards are a payment option here.
Location: Delphi Road at 62nd Avenue SW, Olympia, 360.866.4125
3. Cetak Family Christmas Tree Farm
Cetak Family Christmas Tree Farm is nestled in the tight-knit Steamboat Island community. Charlie Cetak spends his summer aboard a salmon fishing boat. In the off season, he decided to start a tree farm. Read a complete story about the family-run operation here. In addition, Cetak offers wholesale prices to independent vendors and fundraising groups like Boy Scouts.
Opening date: Thanksgiving – December 20
Hours: Fridays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to dusk
Prices: Their tagline reads, “The family owned farm where no tree costs more than $40.”
Location: 6648 41st Ave NW, Olympia, 360. 791.8749
4. Beaver Creek Christmas Tree Farm
Beaver Creek Christmas Tree Farm, located in Maytown, is a great spot for those that like to Christmas shop as well as get their perfect tree. Handmade items like custom crafted wreaths, log candle holders, walking sticks, and more are available for purchase. Rumor has it hot chocolate and other seasonal goodies are also available, and keep an eye on their Facebook page for an announcement about mini photography sessions at the farm.
Opening Date: November 27 through December 20
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – dusk
Prices: Trees range from 5 to 15 feet and are all priced at $30
Location: 1647 Beaver Creek Dr SW in Olympia, 360.753.4088
5. Sprouffske Trees
Sprouffske Trees planted their first seedling back in 1965. In addition to three types of Christmas trees, this family-run farm also sells fresh wreaths and swags. At the farm, you’ll find hot cocoa, hot tea and coffee, candy canes, saws, and free baling. Read a full story about Sprouffske Trees here.
Opening date: November 28, the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Prices: Noble and Grand firs are $35, while Douglas firs cost $25.You can use credit cards here.
Location: 14020 Finian Road SE, Rainier, 360.446.2212
6. Jensen’s U-Cut
Jensen’s U-Cut is located at the Riverbend Ranch in Tenino and is family owned and operated. Jensen’s website describes the different tree species in depth, giving newbie tree-hunters a head’s up on what kind of tree suits their fancy.
Opening date: November 28
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 3624 Skookumchuck Road SW, Tenino, 360.489.8550
7. Christmas Valley Tree Farm
Christmas Valley Tree Farm offers ten varieties of trees, ranging in height from three to fifteen feet Don Tapio, proprietor, is a knowledgeable horticulturalist. “We pride ourselves on the fact we have a good selection,” Tapio told ThurstonTalk in a feature article. “Every year we open new fields in which not a single tree has been cut.”
Opening date: November 21 through Christmas Eve
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Prices: 30th anniversary special of a 6-foot fragrant Grand Fir priced at $18.54 plus tax
Location: 11540 183rd Avenue SW, Rochester, 360.273.6196
8. Rent a Tree
Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of a live tree in your home or prevent cutting down a tree that will just end up in the compost pile, consider renting a tree from Stream Team. The live tree can adorn all of your favorite ornaments and then be replanted in a restoration project.
Purchase a live potted tree from Puget Sound Plants for the holiday season at a discounted price. Tree orders will be taken beginning December 7 and must be picked up by Tuesday, December 22. After the holidays, drop the tree off at a designated location by January 4.
Trees will be kept in a nursery and cared for until they are planted by Stream Team volunteers later this winter or in the spring. Replanting trees next to streams provides shade that keeps streams cool for salmon and other species of fish and wildlife. You can also help plant the trees.
To order, call 866-816-5080 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. beginning on December 7. Indicate that you are purchasing the tree through the Stream Team Holiday Tree Program.
Cost: $30 for a 4 – 5 foot Douglas Fir
9. Other Notable U-Cuts
Make it a real adventure and head out to the Olympic National Forest. For this option, you do need to bring your own saw and twine and obtain a $5 permit ahead of time. (Fourth grade students can receive a free permit.)
Other notable u-cut options include Clyde ‘n Dale’s Holiday Trees and Gifts (where a pair of horses pull a trolley, and there’s live music and an on-site BBQ truck), Hunter Family Farm (visit real, live reindeer!) and Schilter Family Farm (this farm hosts a lighted Nativity in their 140-year-old barn.)
