Pete’s Pick: Grab the Family and Cut Your Own Tree

cut your own tree

One of my favorite childhood memories was the day we’d load into the station wagon and go on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. (It’s one of my favorite adult memories, too.)

It would take what seemed like hours for my mom and dad to agree on the perfect tree, and then what seemed like another hour for my sister and me to actually cut it down and drag it back to the car. And once back home we’d build a fire and then spend the evening decorating the tree and baking cookies.

It’s a tradition that’s still well within reach. Most area Christmas tree farms opened last weekend and you’re sure to see plenty of cars carrying trees to their holiday homes this weekend.

I just love the tradition of choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree.

If you haven’t picked out your tree yet, find a local tree farm that lets you pick and cut your own tree. Nothing beats walking around the farm (and it will be beautiful), looking for the best tree, cutting it down, and then dragging it back to your car. Plus, you can grab other greenery at many locations as well, such as wreaths and garlands. (There’s nothing like the smell of wintergreens during the holidays.)

Tree Farms in the Roanoke Region

Find even more details and tree farms in surrounding locations here.

  • Hamill Christmas Tree Farm: 3121 King Street NE, Roanoke
  • Monte Lea: 2913 Webster Corner Road, Callaway
  • Ponds-N-More: 6228 Bent Mountain Road, Roanoke (precut trees)
  • Trees and Things: 7421 Williamson Road, Roanoke (precut trees)
  • White Horse Farm: 405 Redfield Lane, Callaway

Tips for Your Adventure

  • Call the farm before you go to confirm hours and availability.
  • Consider carrying cash; not all tree farms accept credit cards.
  • Make a day of it; many locations offer warm cider and games for the kids.
  • Trees look smaller in an open field, so err on the slightly smaller size.

Happy tree hunting!