Thanksgiving has just passed, and the Christmas season is in full swing at area tree farms, where customers explore the fields to find the perfect pine.

Owners of Carroll’s tree farms say that while many people may be watching their budgets this holiday season, the Christmas holiday just isn’t complete without an outing to the tree farm.

“At Christmas, you got to have that Christmas tree,” said Michael Luers, owner of Putman Tree Farm in Westminster. “People get tired of that plastic one and want a fresh one.”



View Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farms in a larger map


“People want greens and fresh cut trees and are going to get it,” said Ronald Sewell, owner of Sewell’s
Farm in Taneytown. “We opened Nov. 21, because we have people that like to get their trees early. Every year we get requests.”

Traditionally, the weekend of Thanksgiving is opening weekend for the county’s Christmas tree farms, but some owners say the first two weekends of December are the busiest.

“Typically, close to 50 percent of the trees are taken by the middle of December, Dec. 10,” Sewell said.

“For us, the first and second weekends are pretty busy,” said Jean Coshun, owner of Otterdale View Christmas Tree farm in Union Bridge.

Cooler weather and a touch of snow not only adds to the festivities, but helps sales, too.

“I would like it to get a little colder and a little drier,” Coshun said. “We always have a really good day if there is a little snow. Only a little snow and people are happy. Snow too much and they’re not happy.”

The trees, whether short or long needle, spruce or fir, have had an excellent year.

“They’ve gone into fall nicely,” Sewell said of the trees. “They’ve had plenty of maintenance in terms of rainfall.”

The key to keeping a fresh cut tree green during the holidays is to keep it watered. Before it’s even put in the house, cut a little off the bottom, too, as sap can help seal it off.

Local tree farm owners also advise that a real tree should be kept in a cooler room, away from hot stoves.

“Don’t let it run out of water, that’s the secret,” Coshun said.  “It will last a real long time.”
Prices vary depending on the farm, where some have flat rates while others price according to the size and type of tree selected. Many of the area’s farms also offer fresh wreaths, pine roping and other miscellaneous holiday items — as well as refreshments and other attractions.

“We have people that come from a long way away because they like the field and we have a nice view of the mountains,” said Coshun. “Some people come for our hot cider.”

“We’re looking forward to a good season this year,” Luers said. “We’re working on our third generation in some of (our customers). It’s a family affair.”

(If you have any trouble with our interactive map, the full list of Carroll County Christmas tree farms can be found under related articles, at the top right of this page)

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