Where to Find Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms Near Saratoga Springs, NY
It just wouldn't be Christmas without the tree, especially a real one that smells fresh and looks beautiful inside the home. If you're planning to visit a Christmas tree farm and make memories cutting down the perfect tree with family, you’re in the right place. Browse our list of cut-your-own Christmas tree farms near Saratoga Springs, NY, and check out our tips on choosing and decorating your tree for the holidays!
Jump To: Christmas Tree Farms | Tips for Choosing a Tree | Decorating Tips
Plan a Visit to These Local Christmas Tree Farms
Discover six Christmas tree farms that are worth the drive from Saratoga for both cut-your-own and pre-cut trees.
Ellms Family Farm
Address: 448 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Each holiday season, Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa transforms from a popular fall destination into a festive Christmas tree farm. Ellms offers both fresh-cut and cut-your-own options, with Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Concolor Fir trees to choose from right in the field.
The property is an easy 25-minute drive from Saratoga Springs, and there are several perks to visiting Ellms. Your tree purchase includes a trolley ride to the fields, tree shaking, baling, and drilling if needed, use of saws and tree carts, and complimentary hot chocolate to enjoy afterward.
Payment options are flexible, with cash, checks, and most major credit cards accepted.
As one satisfied visitor shared, “Had a great time riding the trolley to go select and cut our Christmas tree for this year. We have tried other places in years past and this was our first trip to Ellms, but after today, this will now be our go-to every Christmas.”
Goode Trees
Address: 1179 Goode Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Goode Trees in Ballston Spa, just 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs, is a family-owned Christmas tree farm that’s been in operation since 1986, making it a trusted spot for holiday tree shopping.
They offer a wide selection of U-cut and pre-cut trees, including varieties like Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, and White Spruce, along with an array of beautiful, handcrafted wreaths. Cash and credit card payments are both accepted.
"Great selection of trees and they are all trimmed so nice," said one customer. "It took us longer to decide which tree to pick since we had so many that were 'the perfect tree.'"
For any questions, you can reach their team by phone or message them on Facebook.
Fogg Hollow Farm
Address: 166 Stage Road, Charlton, NY 12019
Fogg Hollow Farm in Charlton is the place to go for a welcoming Christmas tree experience, located about 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs. This three-generation tree farm allows you to choose and cut your own tree, with saws and sleds available to use.
Specializing in Balsam and Fraser Fir varieties, Fogg Hollow Farm ensures a smooth process with friendly staff available to assist, including helping to cut your tree if you're physically unable to do it yourself.
Every tree is run through a shaker to remove debris. Baling services and twine are also available. Feel free to bring your furry friends along to join in the holiday adventure!
While you're there, don’t miss the Wreath Barn, where you'll find beautiful handcrafted wreaths and holiday crafts for sale that would make great gifts.
“Such a wonderful family-run farm," said one visitor. "A great selection of trees and some BEAUTIFUL wreaths! The owners are very kind and helpful.”
Fogg Hollow Farm also offers a festive way to support the MS Society during the holiday season by renting out luxury fire pits. For $75, you can reserve a 1.5-hour session that includes a lit fire pit, seating for up to eight, cozy throws, cloth napkins, and Spode Christmas China. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy around the fire. Take some time to select a tree as well!
Limited seatings available November 29-30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2024.
Buell's Christmas Trees
Address: 218 Wilton Gansevoort Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831
Buell’s Christmas Trees in Gansevoort is an ideal spot to cut your own Christmas tree this holiday season, located just 16 minutes from Saratoga Springs. They provide a traditional experience where you can bring your own bow saw or have their staff help cut down larger trees with a chainsaw if needed.
Sleds are available to make transporting your tree easy, and they offer baling and netting services. With a “cash-only” policy, Buell’s keeps things simple.
In past seasons, Buell’s has offered a selection of Balsam, Fraser, and unique "Fralsam" (Balsam x Fraser) varieties. As one customer noted, “There is always a great selection of trees and something for everyone, no matter what kind of tree you prefer. Fat ones, skinny ones, full ones, and some more bare and rustic looking (my absolute favorite)!”
Bob's Trees (Hagaman, NY)
Address: 1227 W Galway Road, Hagaman, NY 12086
Bob’s Trees in Hagaman, located approximately 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs, has been a cherished Christmas tree destination since 1942.
Spanning 275 acres, this family-owned farm offers Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, and Korean Fir trees. You can cut your own or choose from pre-cut options. To get started, simply pick up a map and saw from the main office or a field station, and head into the fields for a fun family outing.
Bob’s Trees is more than just a tree farm; it’s a full holiday experience. Their cozy snack bar offers delicious treats like homemade jumbo chocolate chip cookies, hot cocoa, coffee, and chili. And don’t miss the Christmas Shop, where you’ll find gifts, ornaments, wreaths, freshly made pies, and more.
Payments are easy with options for cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
“Wonderful Christmas Tree Farm," said one guest. "Lovely people, beautiful trees pre-cut or cut your own. Great holiday store. Start a family tradition and visit Bob’s Trees. Our family has for generations.”
Boulder Brook Farm
Address: 5186 Nelson Ave Ext, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Note: The farm is sold out of cut-your-own trees for 2024.
Located 13 minutes south of Saratoga Springs, Boulder Brook Farm is a family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm. In order to maintain a sustainable harvest each holiday season, the farm uses an online Christmas tree reservation system for cut-your-own trees and pre-cut trees.
The reservation system goes online in October, and their tree selection typically includes Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, and others like Korean Fir and Norway Spruce.
Past visitors have praised the farm's team, with one person noting, "Boulder Brook Farm is the epitome of customer service. Their staff goes the extra mile so that their customers have a great experience."
Make sure you plan ahead for your holiday visit by checking out their website!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree
Picking out a real Christmas tree is a fun experience, but you'll want to be prepared so you don't end up with a tree that's too big or small for your home. Follow these top tips for choosing the perfect tree this year in Saratoga.
Research the Types of Trees
Do your homework before heading out. Different Christmas tree varieties offer different perks.
For instance, if you have heavy ornaments, you'll want to go with a Douglas Fir. If needle retention is important to you, you'll need to avoid Norway Spruce, and so forth.
Decide Where the Tree is Going to Stand in Your Home
Avoid placing your tree near a heat source such as radiators, heating vents, and fireplaces. Also, try to keep the tree out of areas where it might get bumped or knocked over easily.
Measure the Space
Before you set out to find the perfect tree, you'll want to measure how tall your ceilings are and the width of the space you have chosen. Don't forget to take into account the height of your tree stand, as well as the height of the tree topper decoration.
Bring a Couple of Things with You
Take a tape measure with you so you can measure the trees you're considering to make sure they will fit. Once you're outside, it may be hard to keep things to scale.
Bring a pair of heavy gloves with you to protect your hands and an old blanket to protect your car from needles and sap. Take twine or rope to secure the tree to your car (although many tree lots provide this - better safe than sorry!).
In addition, if you're bringing a saw to cut your own tree, call the farm ahead of time to confirm what's permitted or not.
Note the Space Between Branches
Keep in mind that a tree looks better when the ornaments have enough room to hang straight. You want a tree with a good amount of space between the branches. Bring an unbreakable ornament with you and hang it on several branches to see if there is room for it to hang straight.
Select a Fresh Tree
Cutting your own tree? It doesn't get any fresher than that! Choosing from a lot? You can tell if a tree is fresh by looking at the needles.
They should look shiny and green - not dry or brown. The needles should not fall off when you pull on a branch or shake the tree.
Secure Your Tree for Transportation
Many lots and farms will wrap the tree in netting for you, and they should have twine on site. If you have a van or truck, the best bet is to lay the tree inside the vehicle or trunk for the drive home.
If you drive with the tree on the roof of your car, make sure to tie it securely. You may want to wrap it in the tarp or old blanket that we mentioned earlier.
Advice on Decorating the Tree Once You Get It Home
When your Christmas tree is finally home and ready to be decorated, follow our suggested tips to get started.
Work From the Inside Out
Start with the lights before the ornaments, working from the "inside" of the tree near the trunk to the outside. Also, work bottom to top.
Begin with the Fillers
Time for the ornaments? It's a good idea to start with the "fillers." These are the classic colored balls. Hang these and any matching or complementing ornaments first to get a good base going, and then work your way to the individual, unique decorations.
Go for Depth
Hang some ornaments close to the trunk of the tree and even in the back of the tree that might be against a wall. It may seem silly, but it will really add depth and cohesiveness to the whole look.
Consider a Theme
Want to switch up your tree from year to year so it's not the same old, same old? Consider a theme! Here are some ideas, or come up with your own:
- A color theme other than red and green - blue and silver, silver and gold, or red and white
- Nature (pinecones, winter berries, birds, and flowers)
- Celestial (sun, moon, and stars)
- Snowflakes and Snowmen
- Nautical and Seashells
- Candy Canes
- Angels
- Santa Claus
With your Christmas tree complete, we hope you're ready to have a happy holiday season in the Saratoga Springs area!
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