Community Corner
Holiday Guide: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms
Area farms offer fresh trees, memorable experiences and are better for the environment.
Most American households, 48 percent, erect artificial trees during the Christmas holiday, according to Christmas Tree Facts from the University of Illinois Extension. But for the 21 percent who prefer a real tree, there’s nothing better than taking a drive to Christmas tree farm to cut down the perfect one.
For those who aren’t convinced that real is better, consider the environmental benefits. Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill, according to the university’s Christmas Tree Facts web page.
“Many people still perceive cutting trees down as bad for the environment and that is not the case. Real Christmas trees no longer come from the forest. They are grown on farms throughout North America,” said Mel Koelling, forestry professor at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., in an article on the Illinois Christmas Tree Association website.
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Real trees are renewable and recyclable, and buying from an area farm helps keep that farmer in business.
Fresh-cut trees are available in a variety of prices, depending on the farm, the variety and the size. It’s best to call the farm for details on prices.
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Following are some farms nearby:
Where: Illinois 59 and Petite Lake Road, Lake Villa
Phone: 1-847-949-0172
Details: Open 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, through Christmas. Choose from Scotch and white pines. This farm also has a gift shop in a restored 1873 dairy barn featuring wreaths, garlands, sleigh rides and refreshments.
Gengel Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 38614 N. Fairfield Road, Lake Villa
Phone: 1-847-356-5661
Details: Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, to Dec. 18. Varieties are Scotch pine, white pine and Douglas fir. There are also wreaths and roping available, as well as homemade cookies.
Where: 24974 W. Miller Road, Barrington
Phone: 1-847-438-4518
This is the last year for Star Christmas Tree Farm, which is being converted into an apiary for bees and local honey. The Christmas tree farm is self-serve and offers East Anglia and French blue scotch pines. Trees are $5 per foot. All profits will be donated to the Alpine Chapel Benevolence fund.
Where: 42W109 McDonald Road, Elgin
Phone: 1-847-464-5776
Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 4. The farm may be open until Dec. 10, if it doesn’t sell out. It offers a wide variety of trees including balsam fir, concolor fir, white pine, white spruce and Black Hills spruce. The farm also has wreaths, garlands and a gift shop.
Where: 9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove
Phone: 1-815- 675-9729
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through De. 23. Varieties include Scotch pine, white pine, spruce, Douglas fir, Fraser fir and concolor fir. Farm visits include free wagon rides to trees, free hot chocolate and coffee. There is also a gift shop with decorations, roping and greens.
Where: 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry
Phone: 1-815-385-8512
Farm offers pesticide-free trees and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through Dec. 4. Varieties include Scotch pine, white pine, red pine as well as various spruces.
Where: 7720 Ryan Road, Harvard
Phone: 1-630-279-0216
Trees are organically grown without the use of pesticides. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 17. Thousands of trees in 12 varieties, including Fraser fir, balsam fir, Canaan fir, concolor fir, Nordman fir, blue spruce, white spruce, Norway spruce, Engelman spruce, Scotch pine, white pine, and red pine. Also has gift shop, wreaths and decorations. Many extras such as horse-drawn wagon rides, farm animals, warming barn and Santa Claus.
Where: 309 Three Oaks Road, Cary
Phone: 1-847-639-3248
Open weekends, 9 a.m. to dusk through Dec. 19. Has Scotch pine and Douglas fir for cutting and pre-cut spruce trees.
41W651 Powers Road, Huntley
Phone: 1-847-669-3251
Christmas tree cutting will be available daily (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. until dusk/4 p.m. through Dec. 19. An appointment must be made for those wishing to cut a tree after Dec. 19. Has blue, white and Norway spruce trees and concolor, Douglas and Fraser firs.
Where: 16608 Route 14, Woodstock
Phone: 1-815-338-4108
Offers fresh cut-your-own trees including firs, spruces and pines; wreaths, natural decorating items, horse-drawn wagon rides on weekends, wreath decorating and Mrs. Claus in her North Pole house. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 11.
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