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Boston Area's Best Christmas Tree Cutting Experiences

Pre-wrapped Christmas trees have a tendency to almost explode into the room after the twine has been cut. If size and height is crucial to fitting a tree into a designated spot for Christmas, take a look at some of these wonderful venues of home-grown trees. Tree cutting for the holiday is an old-time family tradition. It is recommended to come out early as tree farms tend to sell out each season.
Greenwood Farm/Merrimack Valley Apiaries
(Photo from Greenwood Farm/Merrimack Valley Apiaries)

Greenwood Farm/Merrimack Valley Apiaries
96 Dudley Road
Billerica, MA 01821
(978) 667-5380
www.greenwoodtreefarm.wordpress.com

Did you know that if you decide to cut your own tree this year, the cost to you is less than a pre-cut tree? And the reward is much greater when keeping with a family tradition. This season, Greenwood Farm keeps the complimentary cider warm and ready after the trip back from the evergreen fields. With over 500 pre-cut trees to choose from as well, you may decide to have a tree in every room of the house. Each week during the holiday season, a fresh homemade wreath is raffled off. Put your name in at the Christmas Gift shop and don't forget those last-minute gifts here as well.

smolak
(Credit: Smolak Farm)

Smolak Farms
315 South Bradford St.
No. Andover, MA 01845
(978) 682-6332
www.smolakfarms.com

The varieties of trees grown at Smolak Farms are Fraser Fir and Douglas Fir. The magic of the Christmas season begins standing amid the evergreens to chose the perfect match for the home. When cutting season is closed, pre-cut trees are available, so make the trip. Smolak Farms has its own original tree stand called 'The Marriage Saver,' with staff available to drill a hole in the base of each tree to stand straight, stable and tall no matter what size. Seasonal activities are also offered for the family like reindeer express rides, wreath decorating and photos with Santa. There is a gingerbread house workshop, Christmas party and even a tree pull. Children's activities for all ages and an animal barn stand ready for use while the adults chop away at the new tree for your home.

One Stack Farm
441 Great Road (Rte 117)
Stow, MA 01775
(978) 897-9484
www.onestackfarm.com

Take home a freshly cut Christmas tree in December with hot mulled cider or fresh vegetables and sweet fruit for the banquet table. All it takes is a quick courtesy call to make sure its trees are still available before heading out to the One Stack Farm. Take all the time you need to find the perfect tree, then stop for a bite to eat. With an abundance of sweet plums, strawberries, raspberries and cherries, you can also return home with fresh ingredients for holiday desserts. Nothing is more delicious after a home-cooked meal than the smell of freshly baked pies and biscuits covered in fresh fruit.

Related: A Guide To Finding Great Christmas Trees In Boston

Heliotrope Hill Christmas Tree Farm
(Photo from Heliotrope Hill Christmas Tree Farm)

Heliotrope Hill Christmas Tree Farm
26 Old English Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
(978) 968-6009
www.heliotropehill.com

There are premium trees at Heliotrope Hill that fit each and every budget this Christmas season. Heliotrope has a few rare varieties of firs including the traditional favorites of Balsam and Douglas. It may be this year that a Concolor fir catches your eye and begs to come home to your living space. Heliotrope Hill (named after its solar-powered home on the hill) won 'Best in Show' at the Topsfield Fair this year. So head on up to Ipswich and see the display. Don't be surprised by the candles among the branches. It's a European tradition, yet another for the family to adopt as your own.

Beverly Tree Farm
(Photo from Beverly Tree Farm)

Beverly Tree Farm
300 Dodge St.
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 778-5832
www.beverlytreefarm.com

With Christmas trees to choose and cut, free hot chocolate, concessions and saws provided and handicapped accessible, you can't go wrong at Beverly Tree Farm. Find varieties in each expertly pruned and healthy tree including Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir and White Fir. All profits are donated to local charities, and this year Beverly Tree Farm chose to donate to hospices on the North Shore and in the Greater Boston area. It's a simply beautiful vista of open space with 27 acres of nothing more than evergreens. Make memories with your family by not only bringing home a freshly cut tree but by giving the gift of charity. Don't forget to calculate an extra half inch off the base of the tree for when it's ready to be put into its stand for display, and never cut your tree at an angle.

Related: Mass. Christmas Tree Seekers Urged To Buy Local

Freelance Writer Corinne Costantino brings the "Best of Boston" to New England. Her work can be found on Examiner.com

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