Christmas Tree Farms in Florida
Christmas tree farms in Florida offer a unique twist to the classic experience of selecting the perfect tree. These tree farms may not be as common as in other parts of the country, but they play an important role in the holiday season for tons of Floridians every year. If you want to plan your trip to a Florida Christmas tree farm, and maybe start a family tradition, we’ve got the information you need!
And don’t worry, most Christmas tree farms love the environment and plant 2-3 trees for every one cut down. They are often multi-generational small family businesses that love the land, and work each day out in their farmland caring for their trees in hopes that one day they’ll make another family happy during the Christmas holiday season.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Christmas trees are not the same as Northern Christmas trees.
- Most Florida Christmas tree farms offer Florida varieties plus northern traditional trees for a larger selection.
- Christmas tree farms in Florida offer fun activities for the whole family and support the local economy.
A Full Christmas Experience
Visiting a Christmas tree farm in Florida is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a festive holiday adventure for the whole family.
These farms go above and beyond to provide an immersive holiday experience, complete with hayrides, petting zoos, hot cocoa stations, and even visits from Santa Claus himself.
It’s a chance to slow down and savor the magic of the season with loved ones.
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Convenient and Stress-Free
One of the highlights of choosing a Christmas tree from a Florida farm is the convenience it offers. Many farms feature well-organized systems that make selecting and transporting your tree a breeze.
From on-site tree shaking and netting to assistance with loading your purchase onto your vehicle, these farms ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish…. while being surrounded by holiday festivities!
A Family Tradition
For countless families across Florida, Christmas tree shopping at a local farm has become an annual tradition.
It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and reconnect with nature while selecting the centerpiece for their holiday celebrations.
Events, Santa photos, petting zoos and hayrides are some of the festive activities you may find.
Types of Florida Christmas Trees
When it comes to Christmas trees, Florida offers different options than the traditional Blue Spruce or Douglas Fir grown in colder climates. In Florida, there are four types that are most commonly grown as Christmas trees:
- Sand Pine
- Red Cedar
- Arizona Cypress
- Leyland Cypress
- Virginia Pine
Each of these trees has very different characteristics, important to the Christmas tree selection process! For example, if you have lots of heavy ornaments… which is the best type? Is “that Christmas-y smell” most important to you? Looking for a non-allergenic tree because someone in your family is allergic to tree sap? We’ve got answers!
Each Christmas tree farm in Florida grows and sells their own mix of these Florida trees. Here are the most common types of frees found on these Florida farms:
Florida Sand Pines
Northern Pines
Sand Pine Christmas Trees
(Pinus clausa)
The sand pine is popular option, known for its sturdy branches and excellent needle retention. On Christmas Tree farms, sand pines are pruned and shaped into the traditional Christmas tree shape. The sand pine is prized for its strong branches that can hold heavy ornaments. It has soft medium-length needles. Here are a few facts:
- Robust Pine (Christmas-y) Scent
- Native to Florida
- Grows an average of 2ft per year
- Can reach a height up to 30 feet
Red Cedar Christmas Trees
(Juniperus virginiana)
The red cedar is a native tree to Florida and grows in a natural pyramid Christmas tree shape. The red cedar has a distinct pleasant aroma that makes this tree their first choice.
Arizona Cypress (aka Carolina Sapphire)
(Cupressus arizonica)
Arizona Christmas trees are
Leyland Cypress Christmas Trees
(Cupressocyparis leylandii)
The Leyland cypress is a popular choice for many Floridians due to its fast growth rate and attractive appearance. It has soft, feathery foliage and a pleasant fragrance. The Leyland cypress is known for its symmetrical shape and ability to retain its needles well. This is a hybrid cypress tree with no Christmas-y pine scent.
Did you know there's a Florida Christmas Tree Association?
Check out the website for the Florida Christmas Tree Association here. They list all Florida Christmas Tree farms. From this list, check websites for those that offer holiday activities and festivities! Or find the farm closest to you, so you can support a local business.
Most Popular Christmas Tree Farms in Florida with Holiday Activities
There are lots of Christmas tree farms in Florida that sell trees. Most sell northern pine trees grown outside of Florida and trucked in. Here are two that grow Florida Christmas trees, and offer “choose and cut” in addition to selecting an already cut tree. Here are two popular Florida Christmas Tree Farms that are great places to visit to select your tree, bring your family, and make memories together…
Santa's Tree Farm in Eustis, Florida
- Easy parking
- Tree netting
- Tree tying on car
- Santa’s workshop
- Petting Zoo
- Christmas cocktails
- Food and snacks
- Big selection of trees
- Tractor-pulled hayrides
Santa’s Tree Farm is a multi-generational working tree farm. It’s open for the Christmas season with lots of holiday season activities, aside from selling Christmas trees. But it’s ALSO open for most of the rest of the year for select weekends as well as parties and private events. Check out their website and see their Calendar! Don’t forget Santa’s Farm during Easter and Thanksgiving (pumpkin farm) too!
Gibbs Christmas Tree Farm in Citra, Florida
- Choose and cut your own Florida Christmas trees!
- Tractor-pulled hayrides!
- Pet some baby goats!
- Check website for events and activities!
Tips for Caring for Your Christmas Tree in Florida
Keeping your Christmas tree healthy and fresh in Florida’s climate requires some special care. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Water regularly: Florida’s warm climate can cause trees to dry out quickly. Make sure to water your tree regularly to keep it hydrated. Check the water level daily and add more as needed.
2. Keep away from heat sources: Place your tree away from direct heat sources such as heaters, fireplaces, or vents. The heat can cause the tree to dry out faster.
3. Use a tree preservative: Adding a tree preservative to the water can help extend the life of your tree. These preservatives contain nutrients that keep the tree hydrated and prevent needle drop.
4. Trim the trunk: Before placing your tree in a stand, trim about half an inch off the bottom of the trunk. This will help the tree absorb water more effectively.
5. Dispose of properly: Once the holiday season is over, make sure to dispose of your tree properly. Many Christmas tree farms and counties offer recycling programs where you can drop off your tree, or leave it curbside to be turned into mulch or compost.
Conclusion
This holiday season, why not trade in the snow for sunshine and create new traditions with your family at a Christmas tree farm in Florida?
With their diverse selection of trees, immersive experiences, and convenient amenities, these farms offer everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime.
So gather your loved ones, pack up the car, and embark on a magical journey to find the perfect Christmas tree amidst the beauty of the Sunshine State.