Where to Go for Fresh U-Cut Christmas Trees in Clark County

One of the perks of living in Washington, the Evergreen State, is that even during the long cold winter, so many trees, plants and shrubs stay green and alive all year round. This also means there is no better place to find the perfect Christmas tree. This year my family is looking forward to buying our very first fresh-cut tree. Thankfully, there are multiple, locally owned u-cut Christmas tree farms where many families return year after year to pick the perfect tree to light up their holiday season. Here is a list of local tree farms where you can create cherished family memories, all while supporting a local small business.

Christmas Trees in Clark County

The Tree Wisemans – Christmas Trees in Clark County

26500 NE 53rd. Ave., Ridgefield, WA 98642 / 360-887-4582

The Tree Wisemans is a 25-acre tree farm owned by Bruce and Nicki Wiseman. “My parents purchased the farm in 1963 from Pete and Opal Yankee. They raised livestock and hay. [When] my father passed away in 1979, Nicki and I planted our first seedlings in March 1980,” shares Bruce Wiseman.  

Opening on the day after Thanksgiving, Wiseman grows and sells noble and Nordmann, Turkish, grand and Douglas fir, and offers pre-cut noble and Nordmann fir. “There will be many 8-10-foot trees offered this year,” boasts Wiseman. Prices vary depending on species, quality and size. Each tree for sale that year is tagged with its price. “We’ve found that this takes the guesswork out for our customers. The price marked on each tree is the price they will pay, plus tax.”

The Wisemans live by the motto “cut a tree, plant a tree.” “Trees mature differently,” continues Wiseman. “Douglas and grand firs can be harvested when they are six years old, while it takes the nobles/Nordmanns [an additional] 2-3 years. We purchase seedlings annually to plant in the empty holes in our fields, ensuring we always have trees for sale annually.”

Tree Wisemans prides itself on being a true family farm. “It’s been in our family for nearly 60 years; we’ve grown Christmas trees on it for 42 years,” continues Wiseman.  “We’ve raised our five daughters and our 15 grandchildren here. Our daughters make Christmas wreaths, both wholesale and for sale here at the farm. We’ve always prided ourselves with the service and the quality of trees we provide.”

Farrell Farms – Christmas Trees in Clark County

3000 SE 362nd Ave., Washougal, WA 98671 / 360-835-0190

Heidi Farrell and her husband Scott have been “in operation since 1982 when Scott’s Parents, Buz and Candee Farrell, planted the first seedlings. In 1989, trees were first sold [to the public]. After Buz’s death in 1994, his kids took over ownership and operation of the farm,” says Farrell.  

Farrell Farm is “opening the day after Thanksgiving, [from] 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until about December 17,” Farrell told me. They are closed on Mondays. “We grow all the trees we sell on our farm here in Washougal. Noble fir, Nordmann, Turkish, grand fir, and Douglas fir. Trees are $10 per foot. That includes free shaking, bailing, and drilling if requested for the stand. Our farm always has a big campfire, free cocoa and cider, and sweet treats for sale.”

Washougal River Christmas Trees – Christmas Trees in Clark County

39336 NE Washougal River Rd., Washougal, WA 98671 / 360-837-3591

Teresa Palmer runs the 160-acre u-cut and pre-cut farm located in the beautiful upper Washougal River Valley with her partner Art Malfait. “We open daily from 9 a.m. till dark, about 5 p.m. Opening day is the day after Thanksgiving. This year [it’s] November 25,” announces Palmer. “[We] plan to be open through December 23. The closing date varies based on harvest-ready trees.” All trees, regardless of the species, are $49.95. “We sell wreaths for $19.95, and smaller tabletop trees. Our prices have not changed for the last three years,” shares Palmer.  

“Weekends are quite busy; if you have the opportunity to come on weekdays, it’s more like an old-fashioned family Christmas Farm, so bring your lunch and stay a while,” invites Palmer. This farm includes an undercover petting zoo. “[We have] goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, piggies, rabbits, llamas and our ‘Elvis’ the mini donkey,” says Palmer. “We offer free coffee, cocoa, and candy canes for the kids. We are a pet-friendly farm. Please bring your 4-legged family [member] along.”

Patron Katie Wright has only visited Washougal River Christmas Trees once but plans on visiting every year. “I liked that the trees were all priced and were affordable. It was a gorgeous drive up along the river to the farm, [and] they had farm animals and hot cocoa.”

Glenwood Tree Farm – Christmas Trees in Clark County

8808 NE 139th St., Vancouver, WA 98662 / 360-573-2336

“Neil and Sharon Schill have owned and operated Glenwood [Tree Farm] for 21 years and are the third owners. After Neil Schill left the Portland Fire Department, they happened upon the tree farm. It has turned out to be a great retirement project and a fun place for the grandkids to spend the holidays. Neil and Sharon have deep roots in Vancouver and have lived here their entire life,” shares Melinda Teeny, manager of Glenwood Tree Farms Facebook page, and the Schill’s daughter.

“Neil does the work throughout the year. He plants seedlings, monitors the tree’s growth and health. He also ‘puts a handle’ on the tree; putting a handle on the tree is getting down on the ground, to cut the lower branches off, so there is a space between the ground and your first bough,” explains Teeny.

“It’s a hard job, but each tree gets a handle when it’s 2 or 3 years old. During the holidays, family members join Neil to welcome and direct customers, particularly on the weekends. Many of our customers have been getting their trees at Glenwood for decades. Our focus is to offer beautiful trees, a field that is easy to navigate, and an opportunity for a fun u-cut experience. We have candy canes for kids, and leashed dogs are welcome. Tree stands and hand-decorated wreaths are [also] available for purchase.”

Inventory varies each year based off tree growth and business from the previous year. This year they do have trees up to 7 feet tall. “Our prices are streamlined by species, regardless of the height; Douglas $45, nobles and Nordmans $70, and pre-cut Grand tabletops are $40. We provide saws, shaking, and twine to tie the tree onto your vehicle. We will open on Monday, November 21, every day, except Thanksgiving, through Sunday, December 4, or until we sell out.” Continues Teeny. “Please check our Facebook page for updates, especially toward the end of the season.” Their hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thorntons Treeland – Christmas Trees in Clark County

7617 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662 / 360-573-8733

Thorntons Treeland will open for the year on Friday, November 25. Owners Glen and Nancy Thornton have been caring for their farm since 1968. Their website states: “For 53 years, Glen and Nancy have worked their land with their children, their grandchildren, and even some of their great grandchildren beside them.” The farm is such as special place, that even some grandchildren have been married on the property.

Robert Webb has been a patron of Thornton Tree Farm for a few years. “We were excited to learn of a local tree farm. We used to live in Portland and always had to drive out to the boonies for a tree farm,” explains Webb. “We like this location because I personally like cutting down my own tree. They also have farm animals to see that my kids enjoy, [pictures with] Santa, and a cute gift shop,” says Webb. In the gift shop, “there are locally made Christmas ornaments, wreaths, baked goods, etc. Last time we went, I bought some fudge and ate all of it on the drive home,” he laughs.

It’s the memories that keep Webb and his family coming back each year. “I’d have to say my fondest memories are just running around and deciding which will be our Christmas tree. My son picks the smallest, ugliest tree or picking one so big it wouldn’t even fit in the house.”

A Sustainable Choice

“Buying a real tree helps support local farms, employing local workers and is good for the environment. Plus, it’s a fun family experience,” says Farrell. 

“Real trees are 100% biodegradable, PVC-free, and lead-free!” adds Wiseman. “Trees [also] absorb CO2, [are a] renewable resource, [and] recycled trees add nutrients back into the earth.”

“The trees generally grow 6 to 8 years; before being selected by a customer,” explains Teeny, adding, “To maintain sustainability, a seedling is planted for every tree harvested. Neil has found planting the seedlings in January and February leads to healthier trees, less sun damage, and an increased likelihood the seedlings will survive seasons of drought.”

How to Keep It Green: Tips from a Farmer

“For your tree to stay green and fresh through the holidays, it is important to get it into the water as soon as possible after cutting it down or make a fresh cut when you get it into water,” explains Teeny. “Your tree can be left outside for a few days in a bucket of water if you are not ready to bring it inside.”

Make sure to check the water regularly for at least the first week as that is when the tree will be “drinking” the most water. “It is key that the cut end of the tree is submerged in water, so the bottom does not seal up,” adds Teeny. “After a few weeks, your tree may stop drinking.” Also, make sure to close any nearby heat vents that may dry the tree out more quickly.