For many families, picking out a real Christmas tree is a valued seasonal tradition! The experience of picking the perfect tree, taking it home, and decorating it – plus the lovely smell – creates memories that aren’t soon forgotten. So, if you’re trying to decide where to buy a tree, you’re in the right place! Scroll down for a map and a complete list of local Christmas tree farms near Des Moines.
Related: Christmas Lights in Des Moines
Real trees vs. artificial Christmas trees
Our family always had an artificial tree. Cutting down trees for our enjoyment doesn’t feel good; we want to lessen our environmental impact as much as possible. But, the thought of supporting local businesses, recycling, and sustainable practices has me thinking twice.
While using an artificial tree over many years once seemed better, fake trees are made with a ton of plastic that eventually ends up in the landfill.
According to OneTreePlanted, the carbon footprint of an artificial tree “is over 10X higher than that of a sustainably grown, properly recycled real Christmas tree.” Also, they say you must keep a fake tree for at least 10 years to make the carbon footprint even close to that of a real tree.
We’ll continue to use our artificial tree until it’s falling apart to keep it out of the trash. But, at that point, we’ll move to a real Christmas tree from a sustainable local farm. Or we’ll try buying a live tree in a pot to plant later!
So, this list is for those who love to have a beautiful real tree for the holiday season!
Map of Christmas tree farms in the Des Moines area
Christmas tree farms near Des Moines
Most of the Christmas tree farms listed below open right before or after Thanksgiving! We recommend checking their websites or calling ahead for hours.
Miller Tree Farm
7404 SE Vandalia Dr, Runnells, Iowa 50237
Website: millertreefarm.com
Miller Tree Farm is a small local business with a great selection of Christmas trees to choose from! Once you select your perfect tree, get it shaken, bagged, and loaded on your vehicle. Some pre-cut trees are available.
Howell Tree Farm
3129 Howell Court, Cumming, Iowa 50061
Website: howelltreefarm.com
Howell Tree Farm is a local, family-owned tree farm with over 2500 evergreen trees! Once you choose your tree, they’ll cut, haul, shake, bale, and load your selected tree on your vehicle. They also have a pre-cut lot.
Walnut Ridge Farm
1400 Hillcrest Drive, Indianola, Iowa 50125
Website: walnutridgefarms.com
Walnut Ridge Farm is another family-operated business with many Christmas trees. Customers can choose and cut their own trees, haul them on the tree cart to the shaking station, and take it home to enjoy! A small number of pre-cut trees are available.
Rettig Tree Farm
7602 NE 114th Ave, Bondurant, Iowa 50035
See their Facebook page for more information
Rettig Tree Farm is a family-owned Christmas tree farm that sells a variety of Christmas trees each season. Call or check their Facebook page for details.
Hill’s Tree Farm
19885 Midland Trail, Minburn, Iowa 50167
Website: hillstreefarm.com
Hill’s Tree Farm is a fourth-generation farm that’s offered Christmas trees for over 30 years. You can go out and choose & cut your own tree and get it shaken and netted to haul home. Or choose from some of their pre-cut varieties brought in from Minnesota.
The Christmas Tree Farm
33459 663rd Ave, Maxwell, Iowa 50161
Website: christmastreehunter.com
The Christmas Tree Farm in Maxwell is a sustainable family-owned farm, with its first trees planted in 1992. Head to their farm, grab a saw and a sled and take the family out to cut your favorite tree. Then get it shaken and netted at the shop. They allow pre-tagging trees.
Strautman Christmas Tree Farm
58976 290th St, Cambridge, Iowa 50046
Website: strautmantreefarm.com
Strautman Tree Farm is a 90-acre tree farm just north of Des Moines. Choose the perfect Christmas tree from a wide variety of types, cut it, and take it home! They also sell pre-cut and potted trees.
Deal’s Orchard
1102 244th St, Jefferson, IA 50129
Website: dealsorchard.com
Deal’s Orchard has been a family-owned farm for over 100 years! Find your perfect tree among the various options, cut it yourself, and take it home to enjoy. They also offer pre-cut trees, gifts, and goodies at the Apple Barn.
Harmony Christmas Tree Farm
1523 Trenton Ave, Stuart, Iowa 50250
See their Facebook page for details
Harmony Christmas Tree Farm is a family-run farm that planted its first Christmas trees over 30 years ago. It’s a great place to choose and cut your favorite tree this year!
Victorian Pines Christmas Tree Farm (closed for the 2022 season)
201 4th Ave NE, State Center, Iowa 50247
Website: victorianpinesiowa.com
This father-son farm in State Center has the quintessential red barn and offers a variety of lovely pine trees! They provide the saws for you to cut your tree, then get it shaken and bailed for easy loading. CLOSED for the 2022 season.
Des Moines area farms with only pre-cut trees
Pinkley’s Red Roof Farms
7533 NE 102nd Ave, Bondurant, Iowa 50035
See their Facebook page for up-to-date information
Gowdy Tree Farm
1940 310th St, Melbourne, Iowa 50162
Website: gowdytreefarm.com
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