No Charlie Brown twiglets here. This year, take matters into your own hands by chopping down your perfect fir at one of these three festive farms. “It’s kind of like going on a hunt out in the field,” says Jane Neaubaur, co-owner of Sugar Pines Farm in Chesterland. “It’s more challenging when there’s more trees to choose from.”
Wilcox Tree Farm
Owned by brothers Avery, Greg and Steve Wilcox, this 45-acre farm offers evergreen overload with pre-cut, live and cut-your-own options. Choose from a variety of scots or white pines, including Canaan fir and Austrian pine. “It’s very hard to pick out a tree for someone else,” says Avery. “What I think is a perfect tree, they don’t think so.” Plus, a wagon pulled by a tractor transports you out to the trees and back, guiding amateur lumberjacks to the best picks. 17620 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, 440-355-4027, wilcoxtreefarm.com
Sugar Pines Farm
Sugar Pines Farm has enough seasonal charm to spawn its own Hallmark Christmas special. Owned by Fritz and Jane Neaubaur, the 100-acre property has been hosting tree-cuttings for more than 30 years. While you hunt for your perfect match among the 30 acres of pre-cut and cut-your-own trees, tuck into some hot chocolate, kettle corn or Sugar Pines’ homemade maple syrup. “We have everything people need,” says Neaubaur. “You just need to be dressed appropriately.” 9500 Mulberry Road, Chesterland, 440-729-1019, sugarpinesfarm.com
Medina Christmas Tree Farm
At Medina Christmas Tree Farm, it’s not the holidays until you pick a tree. Spread over 20 acres on two side-by-side farms, the Canaan firs, Norway spruce and more are pruned annually. “We have so many repeat customers,” says owner Charles Albert Reichheld III. “Their kids came here and the kids’ kids come now.” The farm hosts an indoor festival the first weekend after Thanksgiving where guests can buy house-made garlands and explore a model railroad display. Hamilton Road Farm, 3301 Hamilton Road, Medina; Butler Farm, 3235 Hamilton Road, Medina, 330-723-2106, medinatrees.com
