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a man at one of the Christmas tree farms in the Kawartha Lakes, dragging a freshly cut tree to his car

Christmas tree farms in and around Kawartha Lakes

Nothing officially kicks off the holiday season better than a trip to a Christmas tree farm. To help you pick one that’s close to where you live we’ve put together this roundup of Christmas tree farms in and around the Kawartha Lakes.

Plus, we’ve also included some tips on what to bring to the farm, how to choose the perfect tree for you and how to care for your tree so it will last.

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Christmas tree farms located within the Kawartha Lakes area

1. Oake Family Tree Farm

Location: 2474 Sherbrooke St W, Cavan-Monaghan, ON K9J 0E5
Phone: 705-740-3393
Christmas trees available: White Spruce, Scotch Pine, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir and Blue Spruce.

2. Little Lake Christmas Trees

Location: 182 Bailey Dr, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Phone: 416-278-8218
Christmas trees available: Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir and White Pine.
Additional info: Complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes.
Website: https://littlelakechristmastrees.com/

3. The Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 13809 Telephone Rd, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Phone: 905-355-3009
Christmas trees available: Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir and White Spruce.
Additional info: wagon ride to and from the field.
Website: https://www.thecarrollstreefarm.ca/

4. Dawson Tree Farm

Location: 243 Zion Line, Millbrook, ON L0A 1G0
Phone: 905-261-7415
Christmas trees available: Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir and Douglas Fir.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dawsontreefarm

5. Potash Creek Farms

Location: 400 Grassy Rd, Omemee, ON K0L 2W0
Phone: 705-879-4489
Christmas trees available: Spruce, Scotch Pine and Balsam Fir.
Website: https://www.potashcreekfarms.ca/

Christmas tree farms located outside of the Kawarthas

1. Powell’s Trees

Location: 2945 Durham Regional Rd 20, Bowmanville, ON L1C 6V7
Phone: 905-263-2762
Christmas trees available: Scotch and White Pine, Spruce, Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir.
Additional info: Hot drinks and cookies are for sale.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PowellsTrees/

2. Prestonvale Tree Farms

Location: 1421 Prestonvale Rd, Courtice, ON L1E 2P2
Phone: 1-800-311-6964
Christmas trees available: Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Spruce and Pine.
Additional info: Free baling. Refreshments available for purchase.
Website: https://www.prestonvaletreefarms.com/

3. Hope’s Tree Farm

Location: 1962 Regional Road 3, Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
Phone: hopefamilyfarm@gmail.com
Christmas trees available: Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, White Spruce,
Additional info: Farm animals, hot drinks available, Christmas crafts, plus you can pre-book a visit with Santa.
Website: https://www.hopeschristmastreefarm.com/

4. Barrett’s Christmas Tree Farm

Location: 3141 Williamson Rd, Cobourg, ON K9A 4J7
Phone: 905-342-2622
Christmas trees available: Spruce, Balsam Fir, Scotch Pine, and White Pine.
Additional info: Petting zoo, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate and cider, various snacks and treats, holiday gifts and décor.
Website: https://www.barrettstreefarm.ca/

5. Oscar’s Tree Farm

Location: 8473 Gilmour Rd, Port Hope, ON, Canada, Ontario
Phone: (905) 242-9557
Christmas trees available: Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Balsam Fir, White Spruce and Blue Spruce.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Oscars-Tree-Farm-100063266286163/

6. Murray Tree Farm

Location: 8786 Hwy 28, Apsley, Ontario K0L 1A0
Phone: 705-656-4912
Christmas trees available: White Spruce, Scotch Pine, Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir.
Additional info: Free baling, complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and candies.

What to bring: a Christmas tree farm checklist

To ensure your visit to a Christmas tree farm in the Kawartha Lakes is an enjoyable one here’s a handy checklist of things to bring and keep in mind:

  • Hand Saw: Some farms have limited saws available, so it’s best to bring your own.
  • Cash: Most Christmas tree farms in the Kawartha Lakes only accept cash payments. Call ahead to confirm how much money you’ll need to bring.
  • Warm Clothes: Often it can take longer than you think to spot the perfect Christmas tree which means you’ll be out trooping in the cold weather longer than you think. Be prepared. Dress warmly and in layers.
  • Gloves: Whichever Christmas tree you decide on it will likely have sticky tree sap on it. Protect your hands from getting tree sap on them by wearing gloves.
  • Rope, Bungee Cords or Straps: If your Christmas tree doesn’t fit inside the back of your vehicle you’ll need to secure it to the roof to get it home.

Pros and cons of different Christmas trees

Not sure which variety to bring home from your visit to one of the Christmas tree farms in the Kawartha Lakes? Here’s a breakdown of the common types of Christmas trees available along with their pros and cons:

1. Balsam Fir

Pros: Strong classic Christmas scent, good needle retention, and soft, dark green needles with a slight silvery sheen.
Cons: Thinner branches may not support heavier ornaments.
Ideal for: Those who love the traditional Christmas tree fragrance and plan to use lighter ornaments. Works well in smaller spaces due to its narrower profile.

2. Fraser Fir

Pros: Excellent needle retention, sturdy branches, rich green color with a silver underside, and a pleasant fragrance.
Cons: Can be more expensive due to popularity and durability.
Ideal for: Homes with children or pets, as it holds its needles well and supports heavy ornaments. Great for those who want a long-lasting tree.

3. Douglas Fir

Pros: Soft needles with a bluish-green tint and a fuller, bushy shape. Mild fragrance.
Cons: Shorter needle retention than fir varieties and less durable branches.
Ideal for: Those who want a bushier, fuller-looking tree and prefer a softer fragrance. Good for larger rooms with space for a wide tree base.

4. Scotch Pine

Pros: Excellent needle retention, strong branches, and a vibrant green color. Lower maintenance since it sheds fewer needles.
Cons: Needles are sharp to the touch, which can make decorating more challenging.
Ideal for: Families with busy schedules or those who need a low-maintenance tree.

5. Blue Spruce

Pros: Unique blue-green color and stiff, durable branches that can hold heavy ornaments well.
Cons: Prickly needles can make handling and decorating difficult. Scent is milder than other varieties.
Ideal for: Homes with lots of ornaments, as it has strong branches. Perfect for those looking for a tree with a striking, cool-toned color.

6. White Pine

Pros: Soft, long needles with a beautiful green hue and full, fluffy appearance.
Cons: Minimal fragrance, less dense branches, and does not support heavy ornaments well.
Ideal for: People with children, as the soft needles are gentle to the touch. Ideal for homes where a softer, more natural aesthetic is preferred and lightweight ornaments are used.

Helpful tips for cutting your Christmas tree at the farm

  • Look for a tree with a straight trunk.
  • Avoid trees with too many brown needles, as they may be dry.
  • Cut the trunk as close to the ground as possible to give you the full height of the tree.
  • Cut at a slight angle to prevent the saw from getting stuck.
  • Have a second person hold the tree steady while you cut it.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands against sharp needles and sticky tree sap.

Tips for caring for your Christmas tree

Here’s a list of essential care and maintenance steps to help your Christmas tree stay fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season:

Cut off the end: Before placing your tree in the stand, cut about half an inch to an inch off the trunk to remove any dried resin that might block water absorption. This fresh cut helps the tree absorb water more effectively.

Place the tree away from heat sources: Keep your tree away from fireplaces, heaters, and direct sunlight, as excessive heat can dry out the tree more quickly.

Water immediately and keep the stand full: Add water as soon as you’ve placed the tree in the stand. Check the water level daily, especially in the first week, as trees can drink a lot initially. Keeping the stand full prevents the tree from drying out.

With these care tips, your real Christmas tree should stay lush and vibrant all through the holiday season.

Enjoy your trip to one of the Christmas tree farms in and around the Kawartha Lakes!

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Photo Credit: Southern Living