patching...
Update: Do you receive our Vernon Hills Patch email newsletter? It's free! Click here to sign up! »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Patch put together a map of cut-your-own Christmas tree farms for the northern Chicago suburbs.


View Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms in Chicago's Northern Suburbs in a larger map
 

Are you one of the 21 percent of United States homes that have a real Christmas tree?

That's the number of people that opt for the real deal, according to the University of Illinois Extension's Christmas Tree fact page, compared to 48 percent who chose to have an artificial tree. (The rest don't have a tree.)

If so, then perhaps you're also part of the 21 percent of those with real trees who like to cut them down yourself at a tree farm.

Patch has assembled this map of cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in the vicinity of the northern Chicago suburbs. Click on the pins for more information about the farm or move the map around and zoom in on an area near you.

Happy chopping!

    Related Topics: Christmas and Christmas Trees

    Millie

    7:28 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

    got my eye on the 6 footer in my neighbors yard.

    Reply

    Longtime HP Resident

    10:36 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

    We did not have much luck at Sullivan's or Gengel's. I think we need to go out farther where people have more property. I am headed back out to McHenry County. We have had the best luck out there.

    Reply
    Comment_arrow
    Patch_comments_icon

    Angela Sykora

    11:18 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

    Interesting Longtime HP Resident. Thanks and please keep us posted on how you make out, and include any tips/tricks for those who are looking to cut their own tree! Do you do this every year?

    Comment_arrow

    Longtime HP Resident

    7:51 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

    @Angela: We have been doing this for over 20 years. Our favorite place in McHenry closed years ago and we have not found anything it's equal. We are trying Ben's this year

    Comment_arrow

    Dr. Suess

    12:44 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012

    Did you make it out to Ben's? My family and I go out there every year but last year a section of their farm was closed off....some sort of family feud. It looked like the pickins may be slim for this year when we bought our tree last yr. I hope I'm wrong. My family and I loved going there.

    Kay

    11:45 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

    if you don't mind an hour drive, Marmion Abbey in Aurora has a nice offering.... visit http://www.abbeyfarms.org/Christmas.html for more info

    Reply
    Comment_arrow
    Patch_comments_icon

    Angela Sykora

    11:54 am on Monday, November 19, 2012

    Good to know, Kay. Thanks! That could be a fun road trip!

    Tammy

    12:17 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

    We have been going to Richardson Tree farm for 20 years and have never been disappointed! Huge selection of various trees, short to tall! They provide a wagon ride out to the fields, they shake it, wrap it, and help get the tree on your vehicle. They also have wreaths and other hand-made holiday decorations. Free hot chocolate too! :)

    Reply
    Comment_arrow
    Patch_comments_icon

    Angela Sykora

    12:19 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

    "Shake it, wrap it." Love it! Thanks!

    Moe @ the Buck

    4:27 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

    For the right price, I have a nice one in my front yard. You can come cut it. Then I'll shake it, wrap it, deliver it, set it up, put lights on it, decorate it, make cookies, shop for presents, wrap them, label them, place them under tree, then pass them out Christmas morning. Best offer. I'll bring my family.

    Reply
    Comment_arrow
    Patch_comments_icon

    Angela Sykora

    4:31 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

    Clark Griswold, is that you? I bet you have a cousin Eddie too :)

    Moe @ the Buck

    4:51 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

    How did you know I have a cousin Eddie? He's bringin the whole family up this week.

    Reply
    Comment_arrow
    Patch_comments_icon

    Angela Sykora

    5:06 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012

    Ah, I forgot. I gotta go to Flagstaff! What a shame!

    Patch_comments_icon

    Angela Sykora

    9:08 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

    To All Tree Cutters: Photos of your efforts and "prize" would be awesome! E-mail me at angela.sykora@patch.com

    Reply

    Liz Levine

    11:17 am on Saturday, November 24, 2012

    Been to the one in Cary, it was nice, but very pricey. Took us awhile to find a tree we really liked. For years, I have cut my tree down in Cedarburg, WI when visiting family. Was always a great family experience.

    Reply

    Julie

    8:08 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012

    Had gone to Richardson's in the past and decided to try another on your list: Pioneer. Big mistake! The staff driving the tractors couldn't tell the difference between a fir and a pine and the fields looked like they hadn't planted in years. Poor selection and the trees were too small to cut and you'd get a better deal in a Xmas tree lot. Went back to Richardson's where there were plenty of pickup and dropoff tractors, many healthy trees, better run facility and knowledgeable field staff. Trees cost about $10-15 more but worth the cost and a better experience. Merry Christmas!

    Reply

    AI

    10:35 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

    We tried Pine Apple Farm in Cary and liked it! Thanks for the article!

    Reply

    Mel

    8:41 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

    I have been going to Williams tree farm in Rockton, IL for over 30 years. Great trees run by nice family. They also serve food, Santa is there, pony rides, walking maze, horse driven wagons to the many fields. Nice way to start the season.

    Reply

    Leave a comment