The Ultimate Guide to Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree in Vermont

There is something magical about finding that perfect evergreen and bringing it home for the holidays in Vermont. You walk the field, breathe in the balsam scent, pick a tree with your own hands, and drive home with more than just a decoration. Whether you are visiting for the season, living here year-round, or thinking about moving to Vermont, cutting your own Christmas tree is one of the most genuine winter traditions you can experience.

Why Choose a Cut-Your-Own Tree in Vermont

Few holiday activities feel as personal as loading your own tree into the car after a morning in the cold Vermont air. It is about connection, tradition, and a sense of place.

• Authenticity and connection: Walking among rows of evergreens, hearing the crunch of snow, and seeing the hills rise in the distance creates a moment that feels timeless.
• Freshness and sustainability: Cutting your own tree means it goes from field to living room in a matter of hours. Vermont farms replant regularly and care for their land, keeping the process environmentally sound.
• Tradition and memory: For families, friends, or newcomers, this outing is more than just a purchase. It is a shared experience that becomes part of your story each winter.
• Supporting local farms: Many of Vermont’s tree farms are family-run. Buying directly helps rural businesses thrive while giving you a true taste of local life.

What to Know Before You Go

Timing and Availability

Most Vermont tree farms open around the weekend before Thanksgiving and stay open through early December, or until trees sell out. The earlier you go, the better your selection will be. Some farms close by mid-December once demand picks up, so plan ahead and check their websites or social media for updates.

Tree Varieties You Will Find in Vermont

Vermont’s most popular Christmas trees are balsam and Fraser firs, known for their fragrance and sturdy branches. Some farms also offer Canaan fir, white spruce, and blue spruce. Each has a slightly different look, scent, and needle shape.

• Balsam Fir: Classic Vermont tree with soft needles and that signature Christmas smell.
• Fraser Fir: Known for strong branches and slower needle drop, perfect for heavier ornaments.
• Blue Spruce: Silvery-blue color that stands out in photos, though sharper needles.
• Canaan Fir: A hybrid option with the scent of balsam and durability of Fraser.

Think about ceiling height and room size before choosing. A seven-foot tree looks different in a high-ceiling farmhouse than in a cozy apartment.

Costs, Tools, and Logistics

Prices vary by size and type. Many farms charge a flat rate for trees up to a certain height, then add a small fee per foot above that. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $90 for a well-shaped tree. Most farms provide saws and sleds for hauling, and many will shake, wrap, or net your tree for transport. Bring rope or straps if you plan to tie the tree to your car roof.

Etiquette and Safety

Dress warmly, wear boots with traction, and bring gloves. Respect the farm’s signs and boundaries, and avoid cutting trees outside the marked area. If snow is deep, use caution when walking between rows. When transporting your tree, tie it securely and protect your car’s roof from scratches. Once home, give the trunk a fresh cut and place it in water immediately to keep it hydrated.

Top Vermont Farms for a Cut-Your-Own Tree Outing

Across Vermont, small farms open their gates each holiday season for families and visitors looking to start a tradition. Here are a few standouts to explore:

Upper Valley Tree Farm, Jeffersonville

Located right in Jeffersonville, Upper Valley Tree Farm offers a true Lamoille County holiday experience. They specialize in balsam firs, which are grown on-site from seedlings to full-size trees, and are known for their fresh scent and classic shape. Families can choose and cut their own tree, then pick up handmade wreaths or maple syrup before heading home. The setting along Upper Pleasant Valley Road offers peaceful mountain views that make the outing even more special. Visit Upper Valley Tree Farm.

Moffatt’s Tree Farm, Craftsbury

This family-run farm in Craftsbury has been growing Christmas trees for more than 50 years. The scenic setting and quiet northern Vermont backdrop make it worth the drive. Moffatt’s focuses on sustainable growing and replanting practices. They offer both balsam and Fraser firs along with handmade wreaths and garlands. Visit Moffatt’s Tree Farm.

Mt. Anthony Tree Farms, North Pownal

Located in southern Vermont near the Massachusetts border, Mt. Anthony Tree Farms offers a wide selection of balsam and Fraser firs. The fields are open and easy to navigate, making this a great spot for families with young children. They provide saws, netting, and hot chocolate on weekends. Visit Mt. Anthony Tree Farms.

Sharp Farm, Milton

Just north of Burlington, Sharp Farm is known for its choose-and-cut trees and peaceful views. They grow several varieties including blue spruce, white pine, and Fraser fir. You can also buy handmade wreaths and maple products from their farm store. Visit Sharp Farm.

Tip: Always call ahead before visiting. Weather, snow, or early sell-outs can change hours without much notice.

How to Pick and Cut Your Tree Like a Local

Step 1: Survey the Field

Start by walking slowly through the rows. Look at the trees from different angles, paying attention to shape, fullness, and gaps in branches. Imagine how it will look in your living room. If you are cutting your first tree, take your time before committing to one.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

Measure your ceiling height and subtract at least six inches for the tree topper and stand. Trees often look smaller outside than they do once indoors. If in doubt, choose slightly shorter rather than taller. Remember to leave enough space around the tree for ornaments and presents.

Step 3: Make the Cut

Position your saw close to the ground and cut slowly but firmly. Try to keep the cut level. If someone is with you, have them hold the tree steady. Once the tree begins to lean, finish the cut cleanly and pull the tree away from the stump. Shake off loose needles and snow before carrying it to the car.

Step 4: Transport and Set Up

Wrap or net your tree if possible. This keeps branches protected and makes it easier to load. Use rope or straps to tie the tree securely on your roof rack or in your trunk. When you arrive home, saw a fresh half-inch slice off the trunk to open up the pores, then place the tree in water immediately. Keep it well-watered and away from direct heat to help it stay green and fragrant through the holidays.

Tips to Make It a True Vermont Outing

• Turn it into a day trip. Pair your visit with lunch at a small-town café or stop at a local sugarhouse for maple syrup.
• Dress in warm layers and waterproof boots. Early snow is common in late November and December.
• Bring a thermos of hot cocoa or cider for the drive home. Some farms even sell their own cider and cookies on-site.
• Take a family photo beside the freshly cut tree. Over the years, these snapshots become part of your Vermont holiday story.
• For visitors or new residents, this tradition is a wonderful way to feel part of the community.

What Newcomers Should Know

If you are moving to Vermont or have recently settled here, cutting your own Christmas tree can help you feel connected to local life. It is a tradition that many Vermonters look forward to every year. Some even return to the same farm annually to see familiar faces and watch the trees grow over time.

• Cutting your own tree supports local farmers and the state’s agricultural economy.
• If you own land, you can plant your own evergreens in future years. Just check local guidelines for tree cutting on private property.
• Tree farms are typically small, family-run businesses that value community and conservation. Visiting them is both festive and meaningful.

After the Holidays: Tree Recycling and Care for the Land

When the holiday season ends, your tree can continue to serve a purpose. Vermont communities often offer tree recycling or chipping programs. Many towns collect trees curbside and turn them into mulch for local parks. You can also bring your tree to designated drop-off areas if you prefer to handle it yourself.

• Remove all decorations and tinsel before recycling.
• Check your town’s website for collection dates and locations.
• If you have a large property, you can leave the tree outdoors as shelter for birds or chip it for garden mulch.

Choosing a real tree each year also supports sustainable land use. Artificial trees may last longer, but they are often made from plastics that cannot be recycled. Real Vermont trees decompose naturally and are grown as renewable crops, not harvested from wild forests.

Closing Thoughts

Cutting your own Christmas tree in Vermont captures the heart of the season. The crisp air, the scent of pine, and the satisfaction of choosing your own tree make it an experience that stays with you long after the holidays. Whether you are visiting for the first time or continuing a family tradition, it is one of those simple Vermont joys that remind you what the holidays are really about. May your tree be fresh, your home be warm, and your winter filled with quiet Vermont beauty.