Want to cut your own Christmas tree? Here are tree farms less than an hour away from Green Bay
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but for many of us, that weekend is the kickoff to the Christmas season.
One way to break the tryptophan-induced haze after Turkey Day? Go out and cut down a Christmas tree. While it's extra work, you get fresh air, plus a fresh tree — and there's no shortage of places to go in Wisconsin to find one. Wisconsin is the fifth-highest state in the country for Christmas tree production, behind Oregon, Washington, North Carolina and South Carolina.
If it's your first time cutting your own tree, bring a handsaw (not a chainsaw) and twine or bungee cords to secure your tree to your car. You'll likely be outside for a while, so dressing for the weather is essential: boots, gloves, a hat and a warm jacket. Take some cash, too; most farms don't accept credit cards, and trees usually cost at least $50-$60.
To help you in your search, we've put together a (by no means complete) list of cut-your-own Christmas tree farms less than an hour away from Green Bay. Driving times can vary and were calculated from downtown.
15 minutes: Tillmann Christmas Trees, Green Bay
Where and when: 2535 Bay Settlement Road, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends starting Nov. 24
More info: This 20-acre farm just outside Green Bay offers balsam firs from 6 to 10 feet tall, along with some Scotch and white pines. While the owner has yet to release prices for this year, trees were $58 in 2022. You can find out more at tillmannchristmastrees.com or on Facebook.
25 minutes: Wojcik's Christmas Tree Farm, Pulaski
Where and when: 4336 Twin Elm Drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 24.
More info: This farm in Pulaski grows balsam, Canaan and Frasier firs along with spruce trees. Trees are individually priced by height and variety. It's not far off the highway and reviewers said they had a quicker stop in searching for the perfect fresh tree. Find out more on Facebook or at wojcikchristmastreefarm.com.
30 minutes: Aissen Tree Farm, Luxemburg
Where and when: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 until sold out.
More info: Besides Frasier and balsam firs, this dog-friendly farm also has Black Hills spruces and white firs. Trees are individually priced. The sellers accept Visa and MasterCard, and they also have a gift shop with complimentary cups of cider and cocoa. Find out more at aissentreefarm.com or on Facebook.
30 minutes: Taylor's Trees, Mishicot
Where and when: 1505 State 147, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 24 to Dec. 16.
More info: This farm in Mishicot has six varieties of Christmas trees in their lot, including cedars and Canaan firs. Price start at $38 and vary by tree, but shaking and wrapping is free, and if you want even less of a needly mess, they provide tree bags for $3. You can find out more on Facebook and at taylortrees.com.
35 minutes: Whispering Pines Tree Farm, Oconto
35 minutes: Whispering Pines Tree Farm, Oconto
Where and when: 3694 Airport Road, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Nov. 24 to Dec. 20
More info: This Oconto farm and gift shop has what they call "a full Christmas experience," including photos with Santa Claus, fresh greenery, free cocoa and white pine, balsam and Frasier firs. Fresh white pines start at $43 per tree (credit cards accepted). but the owners ask that you leave your pets at home. Find out more at whisperingpinestreefarm.com or on Facebook.
45 minutes: Hanauer's Tree Farm, Shawano
Where and when: W7816 Broadway Road, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 to 26 and Dec. 2 to 3
More info: While Hanauer's sells wholesale trees to independent garden stores, their farm also has a cut-your-own season for two weekends. Prices are not yet available for this year, but last year they sold cut-your own pines, spruces, and Frasier and balsam firs starting at $50 to $70. The farm accepts credit cards and welcomes leashed, well-behaved dogs. Find out more on Facebook or witreeguy.com.
Other places to visit for fresh Wisconsin Christmas trees
If you want to check other places to cut your own tree, you can find more information at Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association website and the National Christmas Tree Association website.
And, with some legwork and the right permits, you can even cut down a tree in a state forest for as little as $5.
More: Don't believe what you hear about a Christmas tree 'shortage' in Wisconsin, experts say
Rebecca Loroff is a breaking and trending news reporter for northeastern Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips and feedback at rloroff@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms less than an hour from Green Bay
