Visit

First time cutting your own tree?

Don't worry, you don't need any experience, any gear, or any idea which species is which. Our staff is out in the fields to help with every step, and by the time you leave, you'll wonder why you ever bought one off a lot.

What to bring

Just yourselves. We've got the saw.

No need to bring a saw; we provide them free of charge. Greeters are stationed around the farm with maps to point you toward the section that has the type of tree you're after, so you're not wandering blind.

The one thing worth planning for is the weather: you'll be walking through open fields, so dress the way you would for any outdoor Minnesota winter afternoon: warm layers and boots that can handle mud or snow.

Two children in winter coats walking through snow-covered rows of Christmas trees on the farm

The fields

Hundreds of acres, and you really can't get lost.

You drive yourselves right into the fields; there's no pre-tagging here, so every tree out among the rows is fair game. Take your time, walk the rows, and pick the one that's actually yours, not one someone tagged for you back in October.

It's a big farm, but it's an easy one. Between the greeters, the maps, and the fact that you drove in yourself, there's no fear of losing your way back.

Aerial view of a family standing among the Christmas trees and waving up at the camera — Found it. Waving to prove it.

Aerial view of families walking between rows of Christmas trees looking for the right one — The rows, from above

The cut

Cut it, and we'll shake and bale it for free.

Shaking & baling free

Once you've made the cut, bring your tree to the baling line. We'll shake it first (a quick pass that knocks the loose interior needles off the tree so they stay on the farm, not on your living room floor), then wrap it in netting for an easy ride home. That's also where your tree gets tagged.

Leave the netting on until the tree is up and standing where you want it, then just cut it away. And if you're not putting the tree up right away, leave it baled in an unheated garage or a shaded spot outside; it'll stay fresher longer.

Overhead orbit of trucks lined up at the shaking and baling station with freshly cut trees — The baling line, from above

Make a day of it

Park, and stay a while.

Cutting the tree doesn't have to be the whole visit. There's free seasonal fun for the family right on the farm; plan to park and spend some time before you head home.

See what's happening on a given weekend, and where to find us, on the hours & events page.

A young girl in a pink hat greeting a costumed snowman mascot outside the B&J Evergreen office

Pick your farm

Clear Lake or Princeton: both are yours to explore.

Not sure which farm fits your plans, or want the fine print first? The map and the full FAQ have you covered.

Clear Lake Farm Princeton Farm Farm Maps

Have more questions? See the full FAQ.