The environmental impact of live vs. fake Christmas trees has been an ongoing debate, but environmentalists the world over agree that real trees win out every time, and as long as you find a treecycling solution after the holidays, you should be all set! (I wrote about this a few years ago in A Christmas Tree Story and I’ve posted a new list for 2012 complete with a fancy-pants interactive map!) I also recently learned that the seven year conifer cut cycle makes Christmas Tree farms naturally sustainable, and that many local farms are family owned and mufti-generational, which makes sticking to local and sustainable practices, while supporting small businesses even easier this holiday season! But if you’re still concerned how having a live tree might effect the bigger environmental picture, consider offsetting the cut tree by planting a tree in parts of the world that are plagued by deforestation.
Whether you want a locally sourced, hand picked or to cut your own Christmas Tree, you have plenty of options in Philadelphia:
Greensgrow Farms
Douglas, Frasier & Balsam trees sourced from Lancaster & the Poconos range from table-top to 10 ft in height and cost $20 – $55. Greensgrow Farms is pleased to present their Holiday Bazaar featuring local, handmade gift ideas from some of the Kensington’s most talented crafters and artists, Saturday & Sundays in December. Greensgrow will also be offering a post-holiday Biodegradeable Treecycle Program. Woodchips will go to local dog park & Emerald Street Farm.
All the trees in stock were cut the week of Thanksgiving so they’re all fresh and all awesome
Greensgrow Farms 2501 East Cumberland St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Wednesday–Friday 1pm–8pm; Saturday 10am–4pm; Sunday 11am–4pm
Holiday Bazaar 11am-4pm December 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2011.
UPDATE: Christmas comes early at Greensgrow Farms: Monday & Tuesday 1-8pm ALL trees are now $25 while supplies last!
Urban Jungle
Local, Philadelphia based small business offering full-sized Frasier Firs & Table-top Douglas Firs from North Carolina ranging in price from $29 – $55.
All the best trees are produced in North Carolina, and we only sell the best here
Urban Jungle 1528 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tuesday-Thursday 10am-6pm; Friday & Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-5pm
Get in the DIY Holiday Spirit on the Farm with
Pick Your Own Options Close to Home
Linvilla Orchards Choose & Cut Douglas Fir and some Canaan Fir for $59.99 as well as a wide array of precut options to choose from. Enjoy the farm’s Christmas Open House including visits with Santa & Evening Wassaling Caroling Hayrides.
137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA 19063-5499
Sunday-Wednesday 8am–6pm; Thursday-Saturday 8am-8pm
Varner Farms A beautiful selection of Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, and White Pine priced by foot ranging between $6-$11 depending on the variety. Fresh cut trees are harvested once a week throughout the season or cut your own tree Monday thru Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm Enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or hot cider, as you listen to Christmas Carols and choose your tree. Tractor wagons & teams of Belgian Draft horses will take you to cut your own Christmas tree weather permitting.
746 South Trappe Road, Collegeville, PA 19426
Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm
Real Christmas Trees benefit the environment. The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often, Christmas Trees are grown on soil that doesn’t support other crops.
-National Christmas Tree Association
Tuckamony Farms Choose & Cut Trees are $59. Pre-cut Trees are priced by height, beginning at $60 for a 7′ to 8′ tree. Currently offering 8 species of conifers: White Pine, Scots Pine, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, Canaan Fir, Grand Fir.
6320 Upper York Road, New Hope PA 18938
Tuesday-Friday: 10am–5pm; Saturday-Sunday: 9am-5pm
Maple Acres Farm Be sure to check out their decorations during the Chestnut Hill House Tours. On the farm, or at the farmstand, Maple Acres Farm will bring the farm to you in Chestnut Hill.
2656 Narcissa Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm
Do you have a great tradition or favorite spot for getting your Green Christmas Tree? Share it in the comments below!
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Great helpful post! This year I am getting my first ever real christmas tree, and I wanted to get it from somewhere local where it was raised with love
I’m not quite adventurous enough yet to chop down my own tree, but I’m very excited to have a beautiful tree in my home!