What to Expect When Buying a Cut Your Own Tree from Scioto Prairie Farms:
Is this your first time buying a cut your own Christmas tree? Use this page to learn what to expect, from arrival to departure to caring for your tree at home! Need Directions to the farm first? Click Here!
Setting Up an Appointment:
Each Christmas Season, we are open by appointment only on Black Friday and weekends. This is to ensure all customers who visit our farm will be able to find a high-quality Christmas tree.
To schedule an appointment for the This season, visit our 2023 Days of Operation webpage.
Arrival:
When you arrive at Scioto Prairie Farms, look for the big yellow sign to know you are at the right place.
Once you see the sign, you’ll turn down a long driveway, drive past our blue buildings, and park next to our red and white barns.
We’ll provide you with a warm welcome, tree cart and handsaw, and direct you toward the fields with the tree type(s) you are most interested in buying. Not sure what tree you want to buy yet? Visit our Tree Selection & Pricing page to learn more.
Picking Out Your Tree:
You are free to explore before making the big decision. Look for the white tags which indicate trees for sale. See a tree without a tag? Leave it! All trees that are ready for sale have been marked with a tag displaying their price, type code, and size. Learn more on our tree types and related codes at this link.
Once you find the perfect tree, use your handsaw to cut it down. After your tree is cut, use your tree cart to take your tree to the purchasing area.
Not interested in cutting your own tree? We are happy to help cut down your tree once it is selected (upon request). We also have a small selection of precut trees available to purchase.
Preparing Your Tree:
At the purchasing area, we’ll shake your tree to get rid of loose needles (you’ll thank us!). We’ll also run the tree through our netter for easier travels home!
Purchasing Your Tree:
At the purchasing area, we provide free hot cocoa and popcorn. We’ll also read a fun nativity story and give a Christmas gift to small children.
available to Purchase at the Check-Out Area are SMORES kits, baked Goods, and Christmas Tree Signs. Plus Don’t forget to Warm up by the Fire!
Credit card, cash, and check are accepted.
Credit card payments under $5 will be charged a $1.50 transaction fee.
At the checkout, we have a selection of homemade baked goods available to purchase including cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls! We also have handmade Christmas signs made from refurbished wood available to buy. Both the baked goods and signs make great holiday gifts!
Departure:
As you prepare to leave, be sure to tie your tree securely to your vehicle. Remember to bring bungee cords, ratchet straps, or rope to tie down your tree.
Be sure to point the tree trunk toward the front of your car to reduce wind resistance and branch damage on your car-ride home. We encourage all customers to read this quick article on the basics of securing your Christmas tree to your car. Scioto Prairie Farms leaves the responsibility of securing trees to customers and is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injuries that occur as a result of an improperly secured tree.
Arriving at Home:
Thanks to your tree net, it should be easy to get your tree in your house without making a big mess. Be sure to get your tree placed in a tree stand filled with water as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of purchasing your tree.
If you can’t get your tree in a stand right away, place it in a bucket filled with water temporarily. If you do leave your tree out of water for over 2 hours, give the trunk a fresh cut before placing it in the stand. This fresh cut can help the tree to absorb maximum water once in place.
Make sure that your tree stand is large enough for the trunk of your tree. Avoid whittling down the sides of the tree to make a tree fit in a “too-small” stand as this can reduce the tree’s ability to soak up water effectively. Look out for our tree stand display at our farm and Visit our FAQs page for additional information on choosing the best tree stand.
Set your tree up in a well-fitting stand full of water and away from major heat sources.
Also make sure to place your tree far from heat sources. The spot next to your fireplace, wood stove, or heater vent is not good for displaying your tree. Heat sources can contribute to dried trees which lose extra needles and make a big mess.
Taking Care of Your Tree:
The most important rule for taking good care of your tree is to keep it hydrated!
Your tree is going to be thirsty and you should plan on watering your tree twice a day for the first week. Do not let your tree run out of water. Trees without consistent water will develop dry branches with increased needle loss. Be sure to give that tree regular drinks and do NOT let it run out of water!
Removing Your Tree:
When it comes time to take down your Christmas decorations, you can use a tree removal bag to cover your tree before taking it out of the tree stand. No matter how well you have taken care of your tree, there will be needle loss as you remove it. Tree removal bags can reduce the number of needles that end up on the floor.
Not sure what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays? Many cities have curbside tree recycling programs or local drop off recycling centers. Go to pickyourownchristmastree.org for a list of Ohio Christmas tree recycling programs.
No need to throw your tree to the curb!
There are a variety of ways to recycle your Christmas Tree that are great for the environment!
Town recycling programs aren’t the only way to feel good about your tree removal! Visit realchristmastrees.org for a variety of environmentally conscious tree removal ideas — from providing habits for fish, to preventing soil erosion, to creating mulch for your garden.
This 12 minute True Food YouTube video lays out all essential steps for buying, taking care of, and removing your tree!