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Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near Clifton Park: A Family Tradition Awaits

Want to create lasting memories with the family this holiday season? Consider getting a real Christmas tree for your home! There are several cut-your-own Christmas tree farms near Clifton Park that offer a fun, easy, and festive experience. Learn more about these local farms below, and don’t miss the helpful tips at the end of this article to ensure you choose the perfect tree!

4 Family-Friendly Christmas Tree Farms to Visit

Ellms Family Farm

🚗 Address: 448 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

From the corn mazes and pumpkin patches in the fall to Christmas trees during the holiday season, Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa has become a cherished destination that families return to year after year. They are also just 22 minutes from Clifton Park!

If you're interested in cutting a Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, or Concolor Fir for your home this holiday season, look no further. Ellms offers all three varieties, and you can either cut your own or pick up a fresh-cut tree instead.

Customers can enjoy a trolley ride to the tree fields, tree shaking, baling, and drilling services if needed, and complimentary hot chocolate. The farm supplies saws, tree carts, and twine for your convenience.

Ellms' team is on hand to help you find the perfect tree for your space. They can also place it on the trailer behind the trolley for easy transport back to your vehicle. Cash, checks, and major credit cards are accepted.

Goode Trees

🚗 Address: 1179 Goode Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Take a 25-minute drive from Clifton Park to Goode Trees for a fresh-cut Christmas tree! Trees sell out fast after opening day, so you'll want to plan your family's trip early (see Goode Trees Facebook page for updates).

Goode Trees has been selling trees to the greater Ballston Spa community since 1999. Visitors love the selection available, with one sharing, "Goode Trees more like great trees. Very happy with our experience and the tree quality was excellent."

While walking through the fields, you can expect to find tree varieties such as the Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, and White Spruce. You can cut your own or purchase a pre-cut tree, and both cash and credit cards are accepted for payment.

Fogg Hollow Farm

Photo provided

🚗 Address: 166 Stage Road, Charlton, NY 12019

Whether you're looking for a freshly made wreath or a real Christmas tree this year, Fogg Hollow Farm in Charlton has you covered. The farm is about a 20-minute drive from Clifton Park, and past customers speak positively about property's cleanliness, friendly owners, and great selection of trees and wreaths.

The Fogg family knows how special the holiday season is for families, and they're committed to ensuring you have a memorable tree cutting trip. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and they provide:

Saws and carts for cutting and transporting your tree
Tree shaking
Baling services available
Twine
A Wreath Barn stocked with holiday crafts and unique gifts

Purchases are cash or check only.

For additional holiday fun, Fogg Hollow Farm will also be offering luxury fire pit rentals. Each rental lasts for 90 minutes and includes eight chairs, a lit fire pit, cozy throws, cloth napkins, and Spode Christmas China. The cost is $75, and you can bring your own food and drinks. Partial proceeds will benefit the MC Society.

These luxury fire pits rentals have limited seatings available for November 29-30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2024. Make reservations today!

Bob's Trees (Hagaman, NY)

🚗 Address: 1227 W Galway Road, Hagaman, NY 12086

Located approximately 35 minutes from Clifton Park, Bob's Trees in Hagaman is a longer drive than the other Christmas tree farms mentioned in this list, but they are well worth the trip.

Bob's Trees has been serving the Capital Region since 1942, and they offer options for cut-your-own trees, pre-cut trees, and pre-tagged trees before the holiday season kicks off. They typically have Fraser Firs, Balsam Firs, Canaan Firs, and Korean Firs in the fields.

While you're there, be sure to visit the Snack Bar or Gift Shop. The Snack Bar has warm drinks and food like chili and soups, or you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade chocolate chip cookie. If you need some holiday gift ideas, their Christmas-themed shop features home decor, centerpieces, ornaments, and much more.

"This Christmas Tree farm will always be our family tradition ❤️," said one visitor. "My Mother used to take me here every year. Now I take my Children."

Tips for Choosing Your Family's Christmas Tree

Popular Christmas Tree Varieties and Their Qualities

When choosing the perfect Christmas tree, understanding the characteristics of each variety can make all the difference. Here are some of the most popular options and what they are known for:

Balsam Fir: Dark green, strong fragrance, strong branches for ornaments
Fraser Fir: Yellow-green, strong fragrance, strong branches for ornaments
Canaan Fir: Rich green, medium fragrance, strong branches for ornaments
Concolor Fir: Blue-green, medium fragrance, strong branches for ornaments
White Spruce: Blue-green, medium fragrance, strong branches for ornaments

Plan the Ideal Spot for Your Tree

Choose the location for your tree carefully before bringing it home. Keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents to maintain its freshness and safety. Also, position the tree in a low-traffic area to minimize the risk of accidental bumps or tip-overs.

Measure Your Space Before You Go

Avoid surprises by measuring the height and width of the space where your tree will go. Don’t forget to account for the height of your tree stand and tree topper. Having these measurements on hand will help you select a tree that fits beautifully in your home.

Pack Smart for Tree Shopping

Bring a few essential items to make your trip smoother:

A tape measure to check tree dimensions.
Heavy gloves to protect your hands from sap and sharp needles.
An old blanket or tarp to shield your car’s interior from sap and needles.
Rope or twine to secure your tree, even if the farm or lot offers it.

Being prepared ensures a hassle-free outing.

Check the Tree’s Branch Spacing

To create a balanced and festive display, choose a tree with well-spaced branches that allow ornaments to hang straight.

Bring an unbreakable ornament with you and test it on a few branches to see how it looks. This small step can make a big difference in your holiday decorating.

Look for Signs of a Fresh Tree

If you’re cutting your own tree, freshness is guaranteed. If you’re buying from a lot, inspect the needles: they should be shiny and green, not brittle or brown.

Test freshness by gently pulling on a branch or shaking the tree—needles should stay in place. Choosing a fresh tree ensures it will last through the holiday season.

Transport Your Tree Like a Pro

Most farms and lots will wrap your tree in netting, making it easier to handle. If possible, transport your tree inside a van or truck to protect it from wind damage.

For roof transport, place the tree trunk-first toward the front of the car and secure it tightly with rope or twine. Wrapping it in a tarp or blanket will also safeguard both the tree and your vehicle.

Now that you're ready for your trip, it's time to pick a farm and choose the best tree with the family!

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Source:

https://www.proflowers.com/blog/16-types-of-christmas-trees

Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.