Here are four local Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own tree

Emilia Cardona, Gardner News
·4 min read

GARDNER ― The holiday season has begun and soon enough families will start their annual search for the perfect Christmas tree to bring home.

There are many benefits to a having real Christmas tree. When buying a real tree, you are supporting local farmers, real trees are more environmentally sustainable, and the fun of choosing a tree makes for a great family holiday tradition.

Massachusetts is home to 264 Christmas tree farms. Here are four local family-owned farms that will be open the day after Thanksgiving for customers to pick their own Christmas trees in the Greater Gardner area.

Signs are put up throughout the field warning customers to watch their steps to prevent any damage to future Christmas trees. "It takes about 11 years for a Fraser Fir to grow six feet," Robert Gauld said. "Everyone wants a big Christmas tree, but they take a while to grow."
Signs are put up throughout the field warning customers to watch their steps to prevent any damage to future Christmas trees. "It takes about 11 years for a Fraser Fir to grow six feet," Robert Gauld said. "Everyone wants a big Christmas tree, but they take a while to grow."

Deer Run Tree Farm

In Princeton, the family-owned Deer Run Tree Farm has more than 7,500 trees to choose from. The farm provides the customer with tractor-wagon rides, hot and cold cider, saws to cut down the tree, tree baling and tying twine. Also, the family's dog is more than welcome to join the tree-cutting tradition as along as the dog is leashed at times during the visit.

The farm opening day is Friday, Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 80 Calamint Hill Road South, Princeton. After Thanksgiving, the farm will open every Saturday and Sunday during the same operating times until Christmas Day.

For more information on tree care, the history of the Christmas tree farm, and the environmental benefits of buying a real Christmas tree visit their website at deerruntreefarm.com.

Robert Gauld said the best seller is the Fraser Fir tree which is native to the Appalachian Mountains. "People like the Fraser Fir because it's the sturdiest so you can put ornaments on the branches," he said. Evergreen Tree Farm will open for the season on Black Friday, Nov. 25.
Robert Gauld said the best seller is the Fraser Fir tree which is native to the Appalachian Mountains. "People like the Fraser Fir because it's the sturdiest so you can put ornaments on the branches," he said. Evergreen Tree Farm will open for the season on Black Friday, Nov. 25.

Evergreen Farm

Robert, Susan, and Sam, the Gauld trio, are the second generation to run the Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm at 155 Kendall Hill Road in Sterling. Eight years ago, brother Robert inherited the farm from his parents, Bill and Julie Gauld, the founders of Evergreen Farm.

The farm operates at a first come, first served and cut-your-own tree system. The farm will also provide pre-cut trees on a first come and first served; the Gauld family does not reserve trees for customers. The farm grows blue spruce, Concolor fir, balsam fir, and the popular Fraser fir. Trees with white price tags are ready to be cut down and bought.

Free hot chocolate will be included with the purchase of a tree as well as materials to safely tie the tree to the customer's car. Hand-made wreaths and garland, by Sam, are sold at the pre-cut tree area.

"I just tell our customers to come as early as they can if they want a good tree," Robert Gauld said.

To learn more about the farm, visit its website at evergreenfarmsterling.com.

Kip's Christmas Tree Farm

In New Braintree, Kip's Christmas Tree Farm has more than 10 acres of various spruces and firs as options for this year's perfect family Christmas tree. This family-owned and operated farm at 10 Old Common Road offers a cut-your-own Christmas tree experience with free hot chocolate, candy canes, and coloring books for the kids. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times.

This year, the farm is celebrating its grand opening of the Christmas Shop in the brick building with a one street-side level entrance. Hand-made wreaths and the farm's popular kissing balls can be bought at the shop with cash or check.

For more information on tree prices and updates on the farm, follow the Kip's Christmas Tree Farm Facebook page at facebook.com/kipschristmastreefarm.

Hollis Hills Farm

Fitchburg-based Hollis Hills Farm now offers a Christmas tree pick-your-own experience at 431 Chase Road, Lunenburg. Allison and Jim Lattanzi started Hollis Hills Farms from their Lunenburg home, but then in 2014 they got the opportunity to buy the 100-acre historic Marshall Farm in Fitchburg.

In fall 2021, the Lattanzi family bought the Christmas tree farmland previously known as Pierces Tree Farm on 165 West Townsend Road, Lunenburg. The new owners continue to provide the people of central Massachusetts with a cut-your-own Christmas tree experience that will keep up the family tradition.

After Thanksgiving, the tree farm will open six days a week, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. To learn more about the different variety of trees the farm offers and how to take care of your Christmas tree, visit their website at hollishillsfarm.com.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Here are four cut your own Christmas tree farms near Greater Gardner