Thanksgiving weekend marked the unofficial start of the holiday season, with local farms, nurseries and garden centers kicking off their Christmas tree sales. Whether you’re looking to cut your own tree or buy a pre-cut one, there are plenty of options for Richmond-area residents to choose from this year. 

After multiple seasons of price increases, national averages are holding steady this year at about $12 per foot of tree.

About $10 million worth of Christmas trees are sold each year in Virginia, and there are 480 farms in the state that grow them, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Cut-your-own-tree

Woods Tree Farm, located about an hour outside of Richmond in Amelia, opened for the 2024 season on Saturday, Nov. 23. The family farm offers a range of Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments and other festive decor. For those wanting to cut their own tree, Woods Tree Farm requires reservations, but they also offer pre-cut Frasier fir trees, ranging from 3- to 10-feet tall. Prices for these trees vary, with 6-to-8 foot trees priced between $80 and $125. 

Claybrooke Farm, a family-owned operation, is open by reservation only. The farm offers three types of trees – Canaan fir, concolor fir, and blue spruce – allowing visitors to cut their own tree or purchase a pre-cut one.

The best prices we found are at O'Neal's Christmas Tree Farm in Amelia, where all trees are $45 except for "O'Neal's Best" trees, which are $60. No credit cards are accepted.

Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Caroline County also offers a cut-your-own-tree option, for the price of $80.

In Powhatan, Olde Church Christmas Tree Farm sells Norway Spruce, White Pines, Scotch Pines and Red Cedars, starting at $80.

Pre-cut trees

Closer to Richmond, Hanover Plant Farm in Ashland just received its shipment of Virginia-grown Frasier firs. Depending on size, the trees are priced between $94 and $199. In addition to the trees, visitors can explore the farm’s garden center and nursery for more holiday decor and seasonal plants.

Sneed’s Nursery on Huguenot Road is another local favorite, offering a one-stop shopping experience for all things holiday-related. The nursery features a variety of pre-cut Christmas trees and other festive plants outside, while its cozy cottage is filled with gifts, home decor, and plant-related holiday items. 

In Richmond’s Northside, Azalea Garden Center is offering premium Frasier firs along with wreaths, roping, and poinsettias. As a family-owned business, Azalea Garden Center is a long-time favorite for those seeking fresh trees and holiday decorations while also supporting the local community. 

Urban tree lots

Heritage Hill Farm, which has been selling premium Frasier firs and white pines at their tree lot since 1983, is back for another year. Located on Huguenot Road, the Heritage Hill Tree Farm lot also offers garlands and handmade wreaths. 

Just outside of Richmond, Willey’s Christmas Tree lot in Mechanicsville offers a selection of trees grown on their family farm in Colebrook, N.H. The trees range from 3 feet to 10 feet, with the most popular 7- to 7.5-feet tall trees averaging around $160. The veteran-led tree lot also sells garlands and handcrafted wreaths. 

Tips for maintenance

Regardless of where you get your Christmas tree this year, these tips will help ensure it lasts throughout the entire Christmas season. 

1. Give your tree trunk a fresh cut and place it in water as soon as you get home. If the tree isn’t placed in water eight hours after being cut, sap will reseal over the bottom of the trunk and prevent it from drinking water. 
2. Water the tree regularly, keeping the water level at least two inches above the base of the trunk. 
3. Keep the tree in a shady cool spot that is away from air conditioning or heat.