12 best cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Iowa

Get in the holiday spirit at one of these tree farms in Iowa where you can chop down your very own Christmas tree. 

With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to get your tree if you haven’t already. While you could simply run to the store and purchase a fake one (or order one online), if you ask us, there’s nothing more festive than going to a tree farm, picking the perfect live tree, and cutting it down yourself.

There are plenty of tree farms in Iowa, but not all of them allow you to cut down your own tree (instead, they sell pre-cut trees). We did the research for you and rounded up some of the best tree farms in the state, where you can wander through rows of trees and cut down your favorite to bring home and decorate. Just keep in mind that some farms sell out of cut-your-own trees fast, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute to visit.

Keep reading to discover the best cut-your-own tree farms in Iowa.

1. Aldrich Tree Farm

Aldrich Tree Farm, family owned and operated since 1969, has about 15,000 White Pine and White Fir trees available in a variety of sizes. All of the cut-your-own trees are priced at $69.99, regardless of size or species. While staff members shake and wrap your tree, you can warm up in the barn with hot cider and refuel with popcorn.

Address: 1941 Taylor Ave., Belmond

2. Carlson Tree Farm

If you’re looking for a tall tree, head to Carlson Tree Farm, which sells trees that reach up to 18 feet in height (with others ranging down to 7 feet tall). About 3,000 Christmas trees grow on 17 acres, with about 300 to 400 available for harvest every year. Pine and fir varieties are available, as are wreaths with handmade bows and swags that can be made to match your wreath.

Address: 867 130th St., Hampton

3. Country Pines Tree Farm

Country Pines Tree Farm has only one variety of tree available for cut-your-own visitors: Scotch Pine. However, you’ll find a wide selection of other festive items, such as wreaths, themed porch pots, handmade fire starters, deer made from White Birch logs, and kissing balls.

When you’re done shopping, treat yourself to hot chocolate and fresh-baked goods in the barn.

Address: 707 520th St., Marcus

4. Deal’s Orchard

At Deal’s Orchard, Scotch Pine, White Spruce, Canaan Fir, and Douglas Fir varieties are available for visitors who want to cut down their own tree, with Fraser Firs reserved for pre-cut customers. The trees range in height from 5 to 12 feet, so you should be able to find something that fits your home.

If you still have holiday shopping to do, visit the Apple Barn after you get your tree to browse unique decor and a large selection of gift baskets. If you brought kids, check out the model train or have their picture taken in Santa’s sleigh.

Address: 1102 244th St., Jefferson

5. Fisher Trees

Family-owned Fisher Trees, founded in 1979, sells cut-your-own Christmas trees on a 20-acre farm adjacent to Pilot Knob State Park. Choose from Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, White Pine, and Scotch Pine trees that range from 4 to 13 feet in height.

Address: 22630 Oak Ridge Valley Rd., Forest City

6. Hoffman Tree Farm

Hoffman Tree Farm sells a limited number of choose-and-cut trees, as well as tree stands and bags, wreaths, and boughs.

Address: 9409 C Ave., Marion

7. Honey Creek Timbers

Family-owned Honey Creek Timbers sells Scotch Pine, White Pine, White Spruce, and Fraser Fir varieties, in addition to wreaths and roping, at its Christmas tree farm.

Address: 1501 L Ave., Morning Sun

8. Kris Kringle’s Tree Farm 

Kris Kringle’s Tree Farm has White Pine and Scotch Pine cut-your-own trees available and treats like hot cocoa and s’mores that you can enjoy by the fire after you chop down your tree. The family-owned farm also sells handcrafted wreaths and custom decor and frequently hosts visits from Santa.

Address: 5220 W. Bennington Rd., Cedar Falls

9. Miller Tree Farm

Miller Tree Farm offers Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, White Pine, and Scotch Pine trees that range in height from 3 to 12 feet. In the barn, you can shop for wreaths and other decorative arrangements before paying for your tree.

Note: At the time of writing, the cut-your-own lots were closed due to weather, so be sure to call ahead to confirm the fields are open before you visit.

Address: 7404 SE Vandalia Dr., Runnells

10. Myers Tree Farm

Myers Tree Farm has been around since 1987, and now it has more than 5,000 trees growing on about 25 acres. Available varieties include Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Norway Spruce. (Fraser Fir trees are available for pre-cut purchase only.)

At the farm, you can also purchase handmade decor, such as wreaths and swags, as well as cemetery blankets and pillows.

Address: 11337 Sperry Rd., Sperry

11. Strautman Tree Farm 

Ninety-acre Strautman Tree Farm offers one of the most diverse selections of Christmas trees of all the farms on this list. Species include White Pine, Scotch Pine, Red Pine, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, Norway Spruce, and Black Hills Spruce. Trees range in height from 5 to 12 feet.

You can also purchase wreaths, greenery, bundles of branches, tree stands, and festive decor. Complimentary apple cider and cookies are also available.

Note: At the time of writing, the tree farm was closed due to weather, so be sure to call ahead to confirm the fields are open before you visit.

Address: 58976 290th St., Cambridge

12. Walnut Ridge Farm

Walnut Ridge Farm is a family-owned operation that opened in 1983. At the farm, you can choose from Scotch Pine, White Pine, Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, and Concolor Fir tree varieties.

Address: 1400 Hillcrest Dr., Indianola