Words by Peter Daining
Living in an area where coniferous and deciduous forests flourish has its perks. After the autumn colors fade, West Michigan has plenty of options when looking for the perfect Christmas tree to adorn your yard or living room. I’m a sucker for real Christmas trees. You can’t beat the look, feel, or smell of a real tree.
Growing up in Grand Rapids, my family usually went to a parking lot to pick out a tree way after the best trees had left the lot. We had to turn the tree just right to avoid the two or three ugly sections. Now I try to be a bit more careful, and my young family enjoys the experience of going to the farm to find and cut your own tree. But, especially at first, it’s a bit intimidating.
Whether you go to a Christmas tree farm every year or you’re looking to start a brand new tradition, Pure West Michigan has got you covered. Check out our guide to everything you need to know about West Michigan Christmas trees.
Question 1: What type of tree should I pick?
Here’s a rundown of four of the most common Christmas trees. There are plenty others, but a novice might do well to start with one of these.
Fraser fir
Pros: Strong branches. Needles last a long time. Great green color with hints of blue and silver.
Cons: Can be expensive due to popularity. Mild fragrance. Tend to not look as full as other options.
Douglas fir
Pros: Fuller than a Fraser fir with a little longer needles. Needles last a long time. A pleasant aroma is more apparent than Fraser fir.
Cons: Branches aren’t as strong as a Fraser fir. Some people may not like the bushier look. Expensive, but usually not as much as a Fraser.
Scotch pine
Pros: An economical choice compared to Fraser and Douglas. Thick, bushy trees with longer needles.
Cons: Flexible branches may not hold heavy ornaments well. It may drop some of its inner needles.
Blue spruce
Pros: It has a naturally symmetrical shape and attractive bluish needles. The stiff branches are great for holding ornaments.
Cons: Not as good at keeping needles. Sharp needles may not work for families with young kids.
Question 2: OK, now I have an idea of what type I want.
But how do I pick the right one?
Use your senses: The best Christmas trees will have an even green hue throughout. Next, gently pull on a tree’s branch to make sure the needles are secure. Then take a needle off and bend it. A quality fir should break, while a fresh pine should bend.
Thirsty, thirsty tree: Just like us, trees need to stay hydrated. The first necessity for keeping your tree fresh is cutting a little less than an inch off the trunk. This allows water to absorb better, especially if you get it in water as soon as possible when you get home.
Fit your space: Before you pick a tree, figure out where you’re going to put it. Make sure to take a floor-to-ceiling measurement, but also remember the base typically adds an inch or two. Unless you live in a mansion, it also never hurts to measure the width of your space. After all, you’ll need room for presents!
Question 3: Got it. Now where do I go to find the right tree?
Here’s a guide of the Christmas tree farms in West Michigan. Like apples and beer, getting your Christmas tree locally is a must. Why? Well, Christmas trees don’t travel well, especially strapped to the roof of a station wagon.
Make sure to check the website or call the farm to check when it’s open and what trees are available. You’ll also find that some farms have other perks like horse-drawn sleigh rides, homemade Christmas wreaths, and hot chocolate.
Kent County
Lenderink Tree Farms, 1267 House Street NE, Belmont
lenderink.com 15 minutes north of GR
Red Flannel Christmas Tree Farm, 507 Cedar Springs Ave, Cedar Springs redflanneltreefarm.com 25 minutes north of GR
Vormittag Tree Farm, O-9921 Linden Dr NW, Grand Rapids
vormittagtreefarm.com 18 minutes west of GR
Muskegon County
Montague Tree Farms, 3220 Fruitvale Rd., Montague
Facebook page 20 minutes north of Muskegon
Stiblitz Farm, 2909 White Lake Drive, Whitehall
stibitzfarms.com 18 minutes north of Muskegon
Windy Pines Tree Farm, 4271 Putnam Rd, Muskegon
Facebook page 13 minutes north of Muskegon
Ottawa County
Bosch’s Countryview Nursery, 10785 84th Ave, Allendale
boschsnursery.com 26 minutes west of GR
Luurtsema Tree Farm, 5249 Bauer Rd, Hudsonville
luurtsematreefarm.wixsite.com 20 minutes west of GR
Prince Nursery & Trees, 5620 96th Avenue, Zeeland
princetrees.com 17 minutes north of Holland
Prince Nursery & Trees, 10342 Buchanan Street, West Olive
princetrees.com 28 minutes west of GR
RA Farms 120th and Apple Drive, Nunica,
Facebook page 17 minutes east of Grand Haven
Schneider’s Evergreen, 1716 Hayes St., Marne
Facebook page 15 minutes northwest of GR
Allegan and Van Buren Counties
Badger Country Christmas Trees, 1553 115th Ave, Otsego
Facebook page 25 minutes north of Kzoo
Badger Country Christmas Trees, 61880 CR 365, Lawrence
Facebook page 30 minutes west of Kzoo
Howard Tree Farms, 2550 142nd Ave, Dorr
howardtreefarm.com 25 minutes south of GR
Janke Tree Farm, 2676 111th Ave, Allegan
christmastreesmichigan.com 28 minutes north of Kzoo
Spiech Tree Farm, 53937 CR 657, Paw Paw
Facebook page 24 minutes west of Kzoo
Wahmhoff Farms, 23090 Michigan 40, Gobles
mitrees.com 25 minutes west of Kzoo
