Where To Cut A Christmas Tree In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — 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 South Brunswick area tree growers.

Here are a few places to start:

• Habiak Farms, 317 Deans Rhode Hall Road, South Brunswick Township: Opens 9 a.m. on Saturday.
• Chris' Trees, 900 Canal Road, Princeton: Open the day after Thanksgiving, through Dec. 18, 9 a.m. to dusk.
• Simonson Farms, East Windsor: Pre-cut trees are being moved to the Cranbury Neck Road, choose and cut location at 120 Cranbury Neck Road and 260 Dey Road will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24. 118 Dey Road is CLOSED.
• Barclay's Tree Farm, 35 Orchardside Drive, Cranbury: Opens Friday Friday, Nov. 24
• Wolgast Tree Farm, Somerset: TWO DAYS ONLY, Saturday, Nov. 25 & Sunday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dates subject to change (either shortened or extended) based on tree availability, weather, field conditions, etc.

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.