Memories are made in the simplest of moments. For our family, when thinking back to days filled with laughter, story telling and togetherness, we bring up past visits to the Christmas Tree Farm.

There are several tree farms to choose from here in Livingston (and just beyond). With so many offerings our family likes to visit a different farm each year. We enjoy checking out new farms each season to see what they have to offer.

As we head towards Thanksgiving we are starting to see the many tree farms in and around Livingston County prepare to open. Many will open Thanksgiving weekend and stay open until the selection of trees runs low. Others have limited hours and remain open through Christmas. I have found the best resource to be the farm's FACEBOOK pages as they tend to update it more often. 

It is important to know before you go. Some are very simple and traditional, others have holiday shopping and other amenities. 

Be prepared and make it a memorable visit.

What you need to know before heading to the tree farm

1. Measure your space

Before leaving the house know what you are looking for. Height and width will factor in when choosing the perfect tree. Knowing the size range of the tree you are looking for will save time when walking through the fields at the farm. If you know a specific height you are looking for one of the workers should be able to guide you to the best spot to locate such a tree.

2. Bring Cash

While some farms have started to take Venmo or credit cards, there are still those that are cash only (Occasionally some still take a personal check) Be sure to look on their Facebook or website for payment methods.

3. Dress for the weather

Layer up. It can get breezy walking through the farm and layers will help. On a sunny day, early in the season you can warm up quickly. Be prepared with hat and gloves. The shoes you choose could make or break your experience. Noone wants to walk around with cold, wet feet.

4. Pack a blanket (or 2)

We have found blankets to be useful. One works great to lay on the ground if it is wet/damp and you have to be on the ground for a long period of time to saw through the tree. Another blanket will be great to place atop the car to protect your vehicle before securing the tree.

5. Tools needed

Most all farms have a selection of saws on hand. Some years we have opted to bring a battery-operated saw to get through the larger trees. Not necessary, but helpful. Also be sure to add some strong rope and bungees to your tool kit. Most farms have twine for wrapping the tree, but stronger rope will provide you with more security when transporting your tree.

PLEASE NOTE: We are seeing a lot of local farms posting that they will ONLY be open Thanksgiving weekend. If you and your family are planning to choose and cut this year plan ahead!

PINCKNEY

Schell Family Farm, Pinckney

10055 Dexter Pinckney Rd, Pinckney

Got to their FACEBOOK PAGE for the latest info

Farm Reopens for the Holiday Season November 24

Past winter seasons precut trees have been available as well as wreaths and other holiday items.

U-Cut trees are by reservation only this year, limited to 40 families. The farm took reservations in September for this first-time unique event and sold out quickly.

HOWELL

Waldock Tree Farm

3090 Dutcher Road, Howell

This choose-and-cut tree farm has Canadian Fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir and Korean Fir. 

The farm will sell Christmas trees 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.

From their FACEBOOK PAGE: 

This year, we will be open ONLY the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving. We will have trees up to 10 ft, including some beautiful Concolor Fir.  As always, we supply saws and will shake, wrap, and drill your tree.  Inside we will have 6- and 12-pack donuts along with some ornaments and gifts for sale. Lou’s book “Gordy the Goose” will be available as well. We will NOT have any stands available. On a sad note, I will confirm that this will be the last year we will be open. On Sunday November 26th, we will close our doors for the last time after being open for 36 years and planting our first tree 43 years ago. 

Snow Shoe Tree Farm

5595 Pinckney Road/D-19, Howell

In operation for 40 years, the tree farm sells cut-your-own Christmas trees, including Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir. They also sell fresh wreaths. 

From their FACEBOOK PAGE:

We will be opening early this year, starting November 18. Hours will be 9am-5pm weekends, closed Thanksgiving day.

DEXTER

Westman's Tree Farm

8000 Chamberlin Road, Dexter
734-426-2476 (Recorded information)

Westman's Tree Farm is a U-Cut Christmas tree farm, located 5 miles north of Dexter, just minutes from Pinckney, Whitmore Lake, Hamburg, Chelsea, Brighton & Ann Arbor. Westman's has thousands of trees to choose from, including:

• Norway Spruce
• Blue Spruce
• Canadian Fir (up to 8 feet)

On site you will find saws, twine, a bailer & shaker, pin stand drill and they can assist with cutting and loading of your tree. Westman's trees are handicap-accessible, making your visit hassle-free, for everyone!

Cash or Check Only. (no credit cards)
Hours of Operation:

• Open for the season, Friday, November 24th, 9am - dark. (Other hours by appointment)
• Saturday and Sunday, 9am - dark.
• Monday through Friday, 3:30pm - dark.

Mayhew's Tree Farm & Nursery

763 Fowlerville Road, Fowlerville

The year-round tree nursery and landscaping business sells a limited supply of you-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths.

The nursery is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

If you have a local U-Cut farm or a pre-cut stand you can list your opening and closing dates on our FREE Events calendar found HERE.