Real Christmas trees available at number of local farms

Despite the popularity of artificial Christmas trees, many people still prefer the real thing. The National Christmas Tree Association says that between 25 and 30 million real trees are sold each year. That means 1 in 4 homes enjoys a real tree at Christams. And it doesn’t matter where you live. The group works with tree farms in all 50 states – including Hawaii.

Looking for your perfect tree? They’re available at numerous farms around the Kansas City and Topeka region.

• DG Tree Farm. South of Stilwell, Kan., offers tractor rides out to the trees and then brings you back. Also has a gift shop. 913) 837-4432
• Pumpkin and Pines. The Pumpkin and Pines tree farm, just south of Pleasant Hill, Mo., offers a hayride on a tractor- pulled wagon, shakes the tree to ensure it’s clean, bales it and attaches it to your car, all for free. Hayrides are available only on weekends, but the tree farm is open seven days a week.
• Beirman’s Christmas Tree Farm. Beirman’s will be open on specific days until Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The farm includes sleigh rides for $2.50 per person, Christmas picture cut-outs and Christmas egg hunts. Located in Kansas City, Kan., it will close early this season if trees run out.
• Seven Pines. Northeast of Topeka, this farm has been popular for families for years. They grow their own but also have fresh cut trees from Minnesota.
• Midland Holiday Pines. This Shawnee, Kan., tree farm is family owned and sits on seven acres of land, with trees as tall as 21 feet. This location welcomes photo opportunities such as family photo shoots, engagements and weddings. Appointments must be made in advance and are not permitted on weekends.
• Hess Acres. This s is a choose-and-cut tree farm with several varieties of scotch pine, located in Lenexa, Kan. It will be open on weekends until December 17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Fort Osage Christmas Trees. The Luke family is hosting its 22nd Christmas tree season.
• Kennedy’s County Farm. Located north of Pleasant Hill, Mo., just off of 50 and 7 highways, this farm offers a $5 recycle option.
• Wilderson Tree Farm. A popular destination for Johnson and Western Wyandotte County residents, they offer a good selection of White, Virginia, Scotch and Austrian pines, plus Fraser and Balsam fir.
• Christmas Ranch Tree Farm. This farm was used as a filming location for a 2020 Lifetime movie. This Excelsior Springs tree farm has been selling trees for 33 years, and the owners are excited to have customers return. Hot cocoa, hot apple cider and fresh-baked cookies are available at the barn.
• Fulk Farms. This Platte County farm is open Tuesday through Sunday. Fulk Farms is open from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
• Christmas Tree Hill. Although owner Juanita and her late husband John Peaslee ran this tree farm for more than 20 years, this will be the 90-year-old’s last season running the farm. This tree farm does offer self-service, and instructions will be left in the barn, with twine and saws. It’s located east of Lee’s Summit near Centerview.
• Country Christmas Trees in Wakarusa, just south of Topeka is celebrating its 30^th and last year. All trees are $49 and it’s self service. Carts, saws, shaker, netter, and driller are available to use.
• Strawberry Hill, just west of Lawrence, has lovely Scotch Pines for you to cut. At customers’ requests they have brought in a prime selection of Fraser Firs and White Pines to supplement the crop.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice & KCTV5