The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
7 places you can cut your own tree
Get that nostalgic feel by selecting a fresh evergreen from a farm.
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 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 amidst other trees.
“The sky or clouds are a rather high ceiling,” said the association. “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.”
Here are seven farms in the area where you can begin a throwback holiday by choosing and cutting your own tree.
Yule Forest
The family farm sells pre-cut, cut-your-own and flocked trees. During the season, they offer complimentary hot apple cider and candy canes. On the weekends, the farm offers free hay rides and a petting zoo. A great choice if you have young kids who might get bored with the tree thing quickly. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. starting Thanksgiving Day and closing a week or two before Christmas. Check their Facebook page
before you go. No admission fee for the public during Christmas tree season. 3565 Highway 155 N, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. www. aboutyule.com.
Thompson’s Tree Farm
Not only can you chop down your our own tree, but this family-friendly tree farm also offers free hot chocolate, cider and hay rides. S’mores kits available for purchase. Santa will be making a visit from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Open Nov. 18-Dec. 17 unless they run out of trees before then. Noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 1829 Prospect Road, Lawrenceville. 770-513-2552. www.thompsonstreefarm.gacta.com.
Hunter’s Christmas Tree Farm
This tree farm features complimentary Christmas hot chocolate and cookies and, of course, Santa. Trees grown at Hunters are also sent out to service members overseas through the Trees for Troops program. Opens Nov. 24. 9 a.m.-dusk Nov. 24; 9 a.m. to dusk Saturdays; 4 p.m.-dusk Monday-Friday. 14680 Wood Road, Milton.770-475-0713. www.hunterschristmastreefarm.com.
Coker Tree Farm
A sweet, simple chooseand-cut place, Coker Tree Farm’s most popular tree is a Murray Cypress. You can also cut down Leyland Cypress and the Carolina Sapphire, which the farm website describes as “without a doubt the most fragrant tree in the Christmas tree industry.” Opens Nov. 24. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. 2280 Macland Road, Marietta. 770424-8047. cokertreefarm.com.
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Tree Farm
For a wide selection and a place to take photos for the family holiday card, Sleepy Hollow is just right. Cut your own offerings include Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Virginia Pines, Carolina Sapphires, Blue Ice and Naylor’s Blue and they also sell fresh-cut (by someone else) Fraser Firs. Did you see “Stranger Things” Season 2? You’ve seen this farm. Opens Nov. 24. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and noon-6 p.m. weekdays and open until they don’t have any more trees. 628 Sleepy Hollow Road, Powder Springs. 770-942-6770. www.sleepyhollowtrees.com.
The Kinsey Family Farm
This could easily become a tradition. A visit to the Kinsey Farm includes holiday music, marshmallow roasting and hot chocolate at the barn before wagoning to the fields to begin your quest for the perfect Christmas tree. The Kinseys (and you’ll probably meet at least one of the kinfolks on your visit) are all about choice: the farm’s selections include chooseand-cut, pre-cut and living trees in containers. A Trees for Troops farm. Open Nov. 18-Dec. 20. Noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and Black Friday. Closed Thanksgiving. 7170 Jot-em Down Road, Gainesville. 770-887-6028. www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com.
Berry Patch Farms
After cutting down your own Leyland Cypress or choosing a pre-cut Fraser Fir, rest on the porch with a warm funnel cake and hot apple cider. Nov. 24-Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and Nov. 24; 3-6 p.m. weekdays. 786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-926-0561 www.berrypatchfarms.net.