Holiday Guide: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms

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 tree.

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 Christmas Tree Facts from the University of Illinois Extension.

 “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, Michigan, in an article on the Illinois Christmas Tree Association website.

Real trees are renewable and recyclable, and buying from an area farm helps keep that farmer in business.

Fresh cut trees area 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.

Following are some farms nearby:

Family Christmas Tree Farm

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.

Star Christmas Tree Farm

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.

Ziegler Christmas Tree Farm

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.

Richardson Christmas Trees

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.