A favorite tradition of the Christmas season is going to pick a tree. Driving to a tree farm and felling your own makes for a festive outing.
Whether you like them short or tall, round or slim, Scotch pine or blue spruce, Maryland's tree farms probably have a tree just right for you. Many open for business this weekend (call ahead to make sure) and close only when this year's crop of trees runs out. Most provide saws and help getting your tree securely atop the car. Prices vary, and some farms offer other greenery, food and hot drinks. Check whether the one you choose is a cash-only operation.
Use this handy guide to help find your tree this season.
ANNE ARUNDEL
Friendship Trees -- 6950 Old Solomons Island Road, Friendship / Douglas and Fraser fir trees, as well as Norway spruce and white pine. In addition to wreaths and roping, Friendship Trees' own honey is for sale. Carts are available for hauling trees. 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 410-741-5712.
Nicholson Tree Farm -- Little Road, Bristol-Deale / Hundreds of Fraser firs up to 12 feet tall, as well as various other types of trees. Roping service; bags, wreaths, Christmas cacti and poinsettias are also for sale. 8 a.m.-dark daily. 301-855-4243.
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Feezers Farm -- 11680 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville / Warm your hands with a cup of hot chocolate while sucking on a candy cane, courtesy of the farm owners. Douglas fir, white pine, white spruce and Colorado blue spruce are available. 8 a.m.-sunset Fridays-Sundays. 410-461-5654 or feezers farm.com.
Frostee Tree Farm -- 8926 Cowenton Ave., Perry Hall / In addition to Norway and blue spruce, Douglas fir and Scotch pine are also available. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 410-391-5113.
Martin's Tree Farm -- 18130 Falls Road, Hampstead / White pine and Norway spruce trees. Wreaths, snacks and wagon rides are also available. Cash only. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 410-374-8114.
Mount Carmel Tree Farm -- 2105 Mount Carmel Road, Parkton / Hundreds of trees, along with wreaths, greens and holly. Shaking and baling are complimentary; food and drinks are also available. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. 410-329-8032.
Ruhl's Tree Farm -- 14430 Jarrettsville Pike, Phoenix / Douglas firs are most abundant here, ranging in height from 5 to 12 feet. Roping and wreaths are for sale; baling is free. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 410-666-2924.
