Where To Find A Christmas Tree Near Bethesda

BETHESDA, MD — It’s still early, but if you’re planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, it’s a good idea to scope out what will be available from Bethesda area tree growers.

Here are a few places to start:

• Butler's Orchard: The Butler Family, 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876, 301-428-0444. From Nov. 25 through Dec. 24, Butler’s Orchard offers rows of Douglas Fir and Canaan Fir trees, many of which are oversized if you are looking for extra decorating space (get there early for the largest trees). Once you cut down and transport your tree on the farm’s sled system, the dedicated, friendly staff make the checkout experience merry and bright. You can also choose from their selection of pre-cut trees. Before you drive off, be sure to check out Holiday Harvest Days at the Farm Park (included with admission) and the market that sells wreaths, decorations, hot chocolate, cider, homemade treats, and more. Cut your own trees are by reservation only.
• J. R. Wright & Sons: 12621 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904. For a freshly cut, reasonably priced selection of wreaths, roping, and trees, J. R. Wright & Sons is where you’ll want to be. Serving the area for more than 40 years, this nursery and garden is marked by a staff that is warm, personable, and ready to assist its customers. While you’re picking out the perfect tree, also shop some of J. R. Wright & Son’s farmers market produce for ingredients on your holiday grocery list.
• Meadows Farms: Clarksburg and Burtonsville. Meadows Farms has pre-cut Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, and Nordmann Fir trees available for purchase from late November until they are sold out. Trees can be picked up from one of their two Montgomery County locations or delivered to select zip codes. Their staff is out to ensure your satisfaction, and they will coordinate a delivery date with you if you live within the delivery zone.
• Naughty Pine Nursery: 18200 Elmer School Road, Dickerson, MD, 20842. Naughty Pine Nursery has a limited selection of Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, and Norway Spruce trees that are split into cost categories by height, allowing you to chop down a tree at your desired price point. They also have a very limited quantity of pre-cut Douglas Fir, Korean Fir, and Blue Spruce trees for sale. Beyond their spruces and firs, they also sell seasoned oak firewood to keep your hearth burning brightly throughout the holidays. The old-school Naughty Pine Nursery is open on weekends from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, and they accept cash or check for payment. No appointment necessary.

Garden center:

• American Plant: 5258 River Road Bethesda, MD 20816 or 7405 River Road Bethesda, MD 20817. Along with fresh trees, wreaths and garlands, American Plant sells Christmas decorations, faux trees and wreaths, and gifts.

Home improvement store:

• Home Depot: 7111 Westlake Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20817.

Last year, the median price for trees purchased directly from a grower was about $93, according to PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org. About 26 million live trees were sold last year, compared to 27.4 million in 2018.

Last year, the median price for trees purchased directly from a grower was about $93, according to PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org. About 26 million live trees were sold last year, compared to 27.4 million in 2018.

A survey by the American Christmas Tree Association, an industry trade group, shows that of the 94 percent of Americans who plan to put up a Christmas tree this year, 23 percent will display a live tree.

Last year, live tree prices increased about 10 percent, largely due to inflation and drought, according to industry experts.

Years of extreme weather — drought conditions in some parts of the country and excess moisture in others — are expected to translate to slightly higher 2023 Christmas tree prices, according to a report from Country Folks Grower, a business-to-business publication serving fresh market and ornamental crops.

“A lot can happen in a half dozen years that can change the outlook for a Christmas tree crop from one season to the next,” the report said. “Farmers will be facing challenges in the 2023 Christmas tree season brought about by developments over the past several years.”

At any given moment, about 350 million Christmas trees are growing on tree farms across the country.

It typically takes a tree between six and eight years to grow to the desirable height for decorating. Large trees — those 7 feet and taller — may be in short supply because sales of smaller trees have been strong in recent years, the report said. Also, people may need to settle for a different species than they’re accustomed to buying.