Cut Your Own Christmas Tree, Practically In Your Own Backyard

Clinton, with its rolling and rocky shoreline topography, is also a perfect locale for tree farming. And that’s good news for Christmas tree shoppers looking to cut their own because there are a number of farms from which to choose.

Schrempps Tree Farm, under the tutelage of Joseph Schrempp, began operations in 1986 with a handful of trees. Today, the farm has more than 17,000 trees on 17 acres.

“And whenever one tree is cut, another is planted,” said tree farm engineer Andy Piazza.

With a variety of trees to choose from including Fraser Fir, described as the Cadillac of trees, the Concolor, described as one of the longest lasting trees and with a citrus scent, the Balsam Fir, and traditional Blue and White Spruce, Schrempps sells all their trees for one price - $30, whether it’s a 4-foot or 8-foot tree. They will also help with the sawing, baling, even securing on your car for transport.

Schrempps, located at 59 Cow Hill Road in Clinton. Call (860) 227-2950 for more information.

Dolan’s Tree Farm at 69 Kelseytown Road kicks off the Christmas season with its annual Barn Party, held last week, where they serve baked ham and hot chocolate to friends and customers. A homey farm, on a recent late morning nary a soul could be seen; the barn doors wide open and welcoming at the circa 1800 Kelsey homestead.

At Dolan’s there are two types of trees: the short-needled traditional White Spruce and the soft needle Douglas Fir. Customers find and tag their favorite tree and do their own cutting – or Dolan’s can help with that. And folks should be prepared to get instructions: make sure to get that tree into water as soon as it gets to its new home.

All trees are one price -- $40. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., there are plenty of trees to be discovered on this 2-acre farm. For more information call Dolan’s at (860) 669-5049.

Right next door at Christmas Acres Tree Fram, 67 Kelseytown Road, on a recent visit, it was the honor system: pull up, find your tree, grab a saw, cut it down and leave your money in the tin on the table. Christmas Acres sells trees – all one price -- $40 as well as wreaths and greens.

At Christmas Acre Tree Farm, there a number of tree varieties including Balsam, Blue and White Spruce, Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine and White Fir (Concolor). For more information call (860) 575-4624.