6 Des Moines metro tree farms where you can get a real Christmas tree this year
For hundreds of years around Christmas-time, evergreen trees have been hauled indoors and decorated with shining lights and sparkly ornaments to celebrate the holiday.
Those who hoped to purchase an artificial tree last year sometimes found disruptions to global supply chains leaving inventory low and prices high. Like last year, those looking to buy new evergreen trees can look to several Christmas tree farms near the Des Moines metro for this holiday season.
Miller Tree Farm
With three different tree fields at their farm in Runnells, Miller Tree Farm offers a wide selection of Christmas trees including White Pine, Scotch Pine, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir and more. Visitors can choose to cut their own or choose a pre-cut tree from the lot.
Location: 7404 SE Vandalia Drive, Runnells
Hours: Weekdays 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Contact: 515-266-9881, millertreefarm.com
More: This Iowa pride gift guide features 16 presents for the holiday season
Howell’s Tree Farm
Sitting on 50 acres, the Howell family started in the Christmas tree business in 1963. At Howell's, expect full-service treatment, with each tree tagged with its price and location on the farm. When customers find one to take home, they tear off part of the tag to bring to Howell's employees, who will cut it down and bring it back to load onto a vehicle.
Location: 3129 Howell Court, Cumming
Hours: Open daily from9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 23.
Contact: 515-981-4762, howelltreefarm.com
Walnut Ridge Christmas Tree Farm
The Harman family started operating Walnut Ridge nearly 40 years ago and, according to the website, the tree farm grows around 40,000 trees in any given year. Trees are sold at $10 per foot with a minimum purchase for a tree at $30. Note: No gas- or battery-powered chainsaws are allowed.
Location: 1400 Hillcrest Drive, Indianola
Hours: Weekdays from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. through Dec. 11.
Contact: 515-961-6979, walnutridgefarms.com
More: 11 Christmas light displays to visit in central Iowa this holiday season
Strautman’s Christmas Tree Farm
Strautman's up in Cambridge sits on 90 acres offering thousands of evergreens to choose from, plus some pre-cut trees. Pop into the holiday gift shop to find wreaths, ornaments, hot cider and cookies.
Trees under five-feet tall aren't allowed to be cut. Fir and spruce trees start at $10 per foot and all pine trees are $9 per foot.
Location: 58976 290th St., Cambridge
Hours: Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: 1-800-982-9942 or 515-383-4675, strautmantreefarm.com
The Christmas Tree Farm
At the Christmas Tree Farm in Maxwell, pre-tagging for evergreens started in October. But with more than 4,000 trees on the farm's 10 acres, there's plenty of pine and fir trees to take home. Trees are $10 a foot. Wreaths and centerpiece displays are also available.
Santa Claus visits the farm the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December to meet with the littlest visitors.
Location: 33459 663rd Ave., Maxwell
Hours: Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 18
Contact: 515-387-8778, christmastreehunter.com
More:Eight Des Moines metro holiday markets launch the festive season
Hill's Evergreen Tree Farm
From trees to wreaths to hand-decorated greenery, baskets, centerpieces and more, Hill's Tree Farm has it all. With some of the first trees planted in 1982, Hill's is a destination with marshmallows for toasting over fire pits and hot chocolate for sale.
Location: 19885 Midland Trail, Minburn
Hours: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday by appointment only
Contact: 515-677-2389 or 515-490-7299
More: Holiday deals expected from big retailers. But Iowa's small businesses could struggle
Nina Baker is a news reporter at the Des Moines Register. She can be reached at NBaker@gannett.com or on Twitter@Nina_M_Baker.
Hannah Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Christmas tree farms near Des Moines, Iowa to find your 2022 tree