Have Questions? We’ve got answers.
Check out our list of frequently asked questions (which are arranged alphabetically) below.
Are you open by “appointment only” during the Christmas season?
Yes, we are open by “appointment only” during the Christmas season. We have made this change to ensure all customers with appointments can find high-quality Christmas trees. You can schedule an appointment and find additional details by visiting our Days of Operation Webpage.
Can I have help cutting down my Christmas tree?
Our tree farm specializes in the cut your own Christmas tree experience and we encourage all customers to give it a try! However, if you are in need of special accommodations or just plain find yourself in need of help, let us know and we will cut your tree for you. Please do NOT begin cutting a Christmas Tree and then leave it. Keep in mind when picking out your tree that a thicker trunk will be harder to cut down.
Do I really cut down my own Christmas tree?
Our tree farm specializes in cut your own Christmas trees. This means we provide you with the supplies you need to explore our tree farm and cut down your favorite tree. You can learn more about the cut your own process on our Buying and Caring for Your Tree webpage.
If you are interested in purchasing a live tree but not ready to cut down your own tree, no worries! We have a select number of precut trees available to purchase and can cut down you Christmas tree for you upon request.
Is buying a live tree good for the environment?
Live trees are great for the environment! Live trees take 8-12 years to grow on average and during this time, they help to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the environment. And for each tree sold on a live tree farm, another tree is planted, continuing the carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen releasing cycle. In short, live Christmas trees help to clean our air! Plus, Christmas trees can be recycled at the end of the holiday season. On the other hand, when you buy and throw away an artificial tree (regardless of whether you throw it away in 3 years or 10 years), it will sit in a landfill– unable to biodegrade. Visit the National Christmas Tree Association for recycling ideas!
How do I keep my Christmas tree healthy?
The only thing your tree truly needs to stay healthy once it is at your home is clean, fresh water. Plan to water your tree twice a day for the first week and once a day after. Your tree is going to be thirsty and will drink a lot of water. As long as you keep your tree nourished with water, it should stay healthy through the holidays.
How do I keep my tree from falling over?
We’ve all heard the stories of our neighbor’s live Christmas tree falling over in the house. While these stories are funny, they are largely preventable. The single most important way to prevent tree spills is to purchase and use a high-quality tree stand that is big enough to hold your tree. Believe it or not, stands do differ in the size of tree they can support. When purchasing your tree stand, make sure you note what size tree it is designed to hold. Do NOT go over your stand’s tree height or trunk girth recommendations when picking your tree. Also make sure that when you place your tree in the stand, you tighten the screws firmly in place around the trunk. With a correctly sized stand and securely fastened trunk, you should have a disaster-free tree. When visiting our farm, be sure to check out our tree stand display to learn more.
What are your tree sizes and types?
Our cut your own trees for sale range from 5 feet to 10 feet tall. If a tree is smaller than 5 feet, it is not yet for sale! You will find the greatest number of cut your own trees between 5 and 8 feet tall. Trees for sale will be marked with a white tag displaying their size. The availability of trees in different sizes does change annually. Our trees for sale include varieties of Fir, Spruce, and Pine. Check out our Tree Selection and Pricing Page to see what we have available this year.
What Christmas tree stand is best?
There are a variety of Christmas tree stands to purchase from online retailers and department stores. While we do not recommend a specific brand or type of tree stand, we do encourage shoppers to buy tree stands that are a quality metal or other heavy material with strong screws to keep the trunk firmly in place.
The two most important considerations when purchasing your tree stand are: 1) Is the girth of the tree stand appropriate for the trunk and height of the tree I plan to purchase? Most tree stands will list the largest trunk size and/or tree height they can hold (generally a taller tree will have a larger trunk). Do not try to force an oversized tree into a “too small” stand as this can lead to issues with your tree’s absorption of water and likelihood that you experience a tree fall! 2) Does this stand hold plenty of water? Your tree is going to be thirsty and you don’t want it to run out of water. We recommend only purchasing tree stands that hold 1.5 gallons or more of water at a time. Our farm has a limited number of high-quality tree stands available to purchase for trees between the sizes of 5ft and 10ft tall.
What is the cost of a cut your own Christmas tree?
Scioto Prairie Farms sells its trees according to type, size, and quality. Most customers can plan to spend between $60 and $100 per tree. Find more detailed information on price ranges on our Tree Selection and Pricing Page.
What payment types are accepted?
Scioto Prairie Farms accepts credit card, cash, and check. Credit card payments under $5 will be charged a $1.50 processing fee. Customers’ whose check’s bounce will be charged for any resulting bank processing fees.
When should I plan to get my tree?
Scioto Prairie Farms opens annually the day after Thanksgiving and closes at dusk on December 15th. A fresh, cut your own tree should maintain good quality through the holidays regardless of whether it is purchased the day after Thanksgiving or the week before Christmas — as long as it is well-watered. When deciding what time is right to get your tree, keep in mind that the availability of trees will go down as you approach the Christmas holiday. Visit our Days and Hours of Operation webpage for more information.
Where can my friends and family find Christmas tree farms near them?
If you have friends and family from out-of-town but you want to encourage them to buy live Christmas trees, send them to the Ohio Christmas Tree Association Farm Finder. On this website, they can enter their address or zip code to find Christmas tree farms nearby.
Where should I set up my Christmas tree in my home?
While there are a variety of spots your tree will look beautiful, there are a few spots you do NOT want to set up your tree in your house. These include locations next to fireplaces, wood or pellet stoves, heat vents, or any other major source of heat. Placing a tree too close to heat sources can cause it to dry out which, in turn, leads to excess needle loss and potential fire hazards. Pick any spot you think your tree will shine that is free from major heat.