Video: Jaybeau Cut The Tree Tutorial

Time for the annual Jaybeau Cut The Tree Tutorial.

Well it's that time of year that I pull out my lumberjack roots, and share my extensive skills on how you cut down your Christmas tree!

We are a fresh cut tree, family. It started with my Dad. I need the scent of a fresh cut tree each year. It's not Christmas to me, without the pine kneedle, sap smelling mess, we call Christmas.

Each year, I look forward to hitting the tree farm and asking the young bearded attendant:

Jaybeau:

Son, find me a tree that represents who I am. 

Bearded Attendant:

Sir, we don't sell fake...

According to tree experts at Viewpoints:

Buy a big enough stand

Make sure your tree stand is big enough for the tree and the water it will need.

Water, water, water

Always keep fresh-cut trees in water.

Don’t add sugar, Sprite or any other additives, according to longtime Christmas tree farmer Damian Prause. He recommends watering trees twice a day, and even more often than that, in the beginning if you notice the tree drinking more water.

Location is key. Don’t place your tree in a window where it will get full sun. That will dry out the tree faster.

Jaybeau added tip: Ask the attendant to make a fresh cut at the bottom. It helps the tree drink better at home.

Ok here we go! Time for the Jaybeau Cut The Tree Tutorial! Merry Christmas!! 

It sounds so romantic, doesn't it? Walking through a forest of Christmas trees to find the perfect one for your home, and your family to enjoy over the holidays. Massachusetts is filled with Christmas tree farms, from the north to the south and plenty out in the western suburbs. With the help of google, and Only in Boston, I am sharing my findings. Many offer hot cocoa or cider, donuts, and rides. Others offer beautiful walking trails, and weekend activities for the kids.

If you are looking to find and cut your own Christmas tree this year, you better hurry. Many of the farms I was researching were closing for the season, as I write this, because they are sold out. Make sure you call ahead or check their social media pages to see if they are open. Below is a list of 16 Massachusetts farms, if you want to cut your own Christmas tree. And should the farm near you be closed for the season, keep this list handy for next year.

*Fun fact: Taylor Swift grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania.

Located in Groveland, MA, CJ Donovan's also offers an old fashioned woodland walking trail.

This award winning farm is located in Ashfield, MA and has plenty to offer. According to their site, "You may hike to the North Pole where Christmas trees and spectacular views of Mt. Monadnock await you. While Santa’s workshop is not visible, you will discover a field of over 10,000 Balsam and Fraser Christmas trees of varying sizes."

https://www.cranstonschristmastreefarm.com/

This 40-year-old family owned and operated tree farm allows you to cut your own trees on their beautiful grounds in Northborough, MA

https://www.ellsworthtreefarm.com/

This Billerica farm invites you to "come take walk the farm and check out our animals and Christmas shop." They also have a farm stand displaying Christmas wreaths, kissing balls, decorations, as well as handmade items, like Amish baskets and carved ornaments. Enjoy a cup of warm cider too!

https://greenwoodtreefarm.com/

This Boxford, MA family farm has been operating since 1965. There are many trails to discover here.

https://www.herrickchristmastreefarm.com/

Sherborn, Mass is where you will find Hopestill Farm, and have the opportunity to cut your own Christmas Tree.

https://hopestill.com/2019/10/christmas-trees/

This Marlboro Christmas tree farm is a family run business that has been owned and operated by the Houde family for over fifty years. According to the website, "it was established by "Sliver" Houde,  a WWII veteran as a tribute to his wife Jane Houde.  He aptly named it "Jane Houde's Christmas Tree Farm." Today, the farm is run by Sliver's grandchildren and their families.

https://www.houdetreefarm.com/home

Located in Foxboro, MA this small, family-run Christmas Tree farm is operated by The Lewicke family, who has lived in Foxboro since 1972. As the site says, "We planted our first tree in 1980, and sold our first tree in 1988. We hope that you and your family enjoy your time at Indian Rock Farm!"

https://www.indianrockfarm.com/

A New Braintree, MA tree farm, Kip's is a family owned and operated christmas tree farm located in the heart of central Massachusetts. They offer "choose & cut services with over ten acres of beautiful spruces and firs. Kip's opens each year on the day after Thanksgiving and closes each year on Christmas Eve.

Luks Tree Farm is a local farm specializing in all varieties and sizes of cut-your-own Christmas trees, plus there is fresh produce, eggs, and other products at this Auburn, MA farm.

Described on their website as "a family owned and operated Christmas tree farm located in the heart of East Bridgewater, MA. We carry a beautiful selection of evergreen trees to suit your holiday needs!" Don't miss out on the complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and spiced apple cider in their holiday shop.

https://www.mistletoeacres.com/

This Stow, MA farm boasts, "Mistletoe Christmas Tree Farm is the real-deal, a family-owned, family-run small classic tree farm located here in Stow, Mass, right inside the 495 belt.  Our goal is to create a fun and festive experience, kid- and dog-friendly, where families can get out into the fresh air for a short bit, listen to awesome Christmas music (the classics from Burl Ives, a bit of Sinatra, Elvis, and of course Mariah and Kelly Clarkson), and enjoy an annual tradition.  Free hot cocoa, free candy canes, a fire pit, and a Christmasy and exciting atmosphere."

This Canton, MA farm says, "Each Christmas season we invite you to join us at the barn and in the fields to pick out your perfect Christmas tree, while you sip hot cocoa and take in the brisk New England air. We offer Choose & Cut trees, as well as Freshly Cut trees, wreaths, roping, and other holiday decorations.  And of course, our fresh mini donuts!" 

You'll find Rollie's Farm in Lowell, MA.

https://northeastharvest.com/farm-pages/rollies-christmas-tree-farm/

This beautiful little farm in Pembroke, MA has been family run for 4 generations.

https://www.thechristmastreefarm.net/

You'll find White Gate farm in West Newbury, MA. It all started over 30 years ago, according to their website. Bob and Patricia Kelly of West Newbury, MA, opened White Gate Christmas Tree Farm in their backyard.  Since then, White Gate Christmas Tree Farm has continued to be a family tradition for not only the Kelly family, but for families throughout the area.

http://www.whitegatechristmastreefarm.com/index.htm