An Old Fashioned Christmas
There is something extra special about gathering the family together, bundling up and cutting down your own tree. In addition to a fun adventure, you are also supporting your local tree farmers. Here are a sampling of local “cut your own” tree farms within a reasonable driving distance from Westchester.
Note:
You may also want to invest in a good pair of hand pruners or hedge sheers from your local hardware store. After you are done pruning & shaping your tree, you can use the scraps to Make your own wreath using a clothes hanger! If you are debating on a real vs artificial tree, check out this article by a local tree farm.
WESTCHESTER (& ClOSE SURROUNDING) COUNTIES
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, Yorktown Heights
Choose and Cut Trees from Saturday after Thanksgiving through 3rd week in December. Free hot cider for whole family.
Hardwick Tree Farm, 213 Wood Street, Mahopac (845) 528-5814
Open on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You can cut your own tree, or have it done for you. Free hot cider and cookies. Trees are $12 per foot, minimum of 5 feet.
Open Weekends for you to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Trees are shaped and up to 10′ Tall. All trees are $45 except Blue Spruce ($55, tax included). Complimentary mesh to facilitate handling and are happy to help tie to your car. Free hot chocolate and other goodies.
Bilmar Nursaries, Pleasant Valley, NY
Home of the NYS 2008 Fair Grand Champion Christmas Trees! Located in Dutchess county, they provide saws and free tree baling. Netting for most sizes. Open 7 days a week until Christmas (including Christmas Eve). Hay wagon and fire truck rides to and from the field on weekends. Refreshments available.
Solvang Tree Farm, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cutyour own tree up to 8′ Available, $45. Also fresh cut trees available, trees include baling. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9-4:30 after Thanksgiving. Wide variety of trees including White Spruce, Coorado Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Meyer Spruce, Douglas Fir, Engelmann Spruce and more. Friendly farm animals in barnyard to visit. Gladly help cut and load trees, refreshments & gift shop.
Naturally farmed Christmas Trees ranging from $8-10 per foot up to 8′ in height. 2008 Best in show at County Fair.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
Warrups Farm, Certified Organic, Redding, CT
If you are searching for a Certified Organic Christmas tree (a popular request!) we have found your place! Cut your own or they will cut for you. The trees have a “natural” shape and are not shaped like store-bought trees, but that offers more places to hang ornaments from. Trees range from 4′ to 20′ with most of them in the upper range. The prices range from $25 to about $100. Its best to call first so they can direct you to the grove of trees best suited to your needs. 203-938-9403.
Dont forget to prepare and take care of your tree to avoid fires!
For preserving the tree in warm homes, the experts have several suggestions:
* Cut the stump about an inch above the original cut so coagulated resins do not stop the flow of water into the tree.
* Put the tree in a pail of water that holds at least a gallon until you are ready to set it up, and replenish the water daily.
* Set the tree up in the coolest part of the house, as far as possible from fireplaces, radiators and television sets, all of which produce heat that can dry it out.
* Before stringing lights on the tree, check them for burned-out bulbs or frayed wiring.
* Unplug the lights before going to bed each night or before leaving the house to minimize the possibility of fire.
Read more here: NY Times Article
