The holiday season is here, and people are getting ready to begin decorating. One big part of holiday decor is a Christmas tree.
The extreme heat and drought forced one Christmas Tree farm in Kentwood to close for the season. Christmas Town Christmas Tree Farm announced in September that it wouldn’t be open for Christmas 2023.
LSU AgCenter agent Dr. Valerie West said in September that she didn’t know what happened to the farm in Kentwood, but people have expressed concern about the state of Christmas tree farming in Louisiana, but she said they shouldn’t be worried.
One representative at Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm said the summer weather affected them but it should be a typical holiday season.
The Town of Livingston posted on its Facebook page earlier this week that officials picked out a 20-foot tree from Steele’s.
“We lost some trees but we still have a lot of trees here,” he said. “It should be a normal season. It looks like the weather for Thanksgiving will be beautiful, so we’re looking forward to starting the season.”
Clegg’s Nursery on Siegen gets its Christmas trees from Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm in Newland, North Carolina. Other local places get their trees from farms outside of Louisiana.
Despite the closure, there are several other tree farms in the area where families can continue an already-established tradition or start a new one.
Yawn Station Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 29400 Ruby Purvis Road, Independence, Louisiana 70443
When: Opening Nov. 18 through Dec. 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except on Thanksgiving Day, open from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.)
What you need to know: The farm offers many varieties of trees from 3’-16’, including some precut options. They offer restrooms, picnic tables, miniature train rides, hand sawcarts, and netting for transport, and will help you secure your tree to your vehicle.
Give them a call: 985-878-6223 or 985-507-3235
Brushy Branch Farm
Where: 51211 Narretto Road, Loranger, Louisiana 70446
When: Opens the day after Thanksgiving
Give them a call: 985-878-6223 or 985-507-3235
County Pines Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 81332 Jim Sharp Rd Covington, LA, LA 70435
When: Opening the day after Thanksgiving.
Give them a call: 985-260-0165
Shady Pond Tree Farm
Where: 37226 Pine St. Extension Pearl River, Louisiana
When: Nov. 24 through Dec. 18. Check the website for specific open days and times because times vary.
What you need to know: Shady Pond Tree Farm allows you to choose and cut your own tree from their 45-acre farm with plenty to see. They grow exotic Christmas trees from around the world.
Give them a call: 985-863-5569
Tiger Branch Christmas Trees
Where: 18075 Tiger Branch Road, Covington, LA 70435
When: They will be open Nov. 24th, 25th and 26th. Then, Dec. 2nd, and 3rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pending sales volume and weather. Check Facebook for more information.
What you need to know: They sell Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, and Blue Ice varieties. Dogs are welcome and they only accept cash or check.
Give them a call: 985-893-5520
Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm
Where: 56459 Dollar Road Angie, LA 70426
When: They will be open Thanksgiving Day at 2 p.m and Black Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For the rest of the season they are open from 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
What you need to know: They only accept cash or check. They offer over 2,000 trees to pick from ranging 5-20’ tall. Steele’s provides saws, or if you prefer, they can do the cutting for you.
Give them a call: 985-848-5133
Tassin Trees and Trimmings
Where: 621 N. Labauve Ave. Brusly, LA 70719
When: Limited dates available by sign-up only. Check the website for more information.
What you need to know: Along with cutting down your own Christmas tree, Tassin Tree Farm offers train rides, ornament decorating, and snow games.
The tree farm uses a sign-up process for purchasing a tree due to limited parking. There are three types of trees available, ranging in height from 4 – 12 feet. Prices are $10 per foot on a perfectly shaped tree, and others will be priced less.
2023 tree sales
Nov. 24 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 25 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 26 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
November 27th-December -by appointment only
Give them a call: 225-955-8625
Windy Hills Farm Christmas Trees
Where: 8380 Highway 963, Ethel, LA 70730
When: The farm will open for the season on Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. On Thanksgiving weekend, the farm will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
After that weekend, the farm will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. as long as trees are available.
What you need to know: Tree varieties offered at Windy Hills Farm include Leyland Cypress (Leighton Green variety), Murray Cypress, and Carolina Sapphire. Saws are provided, but you don’t have to cut your own tree. There are over 1,000 trees available.
Visit the website for more information and the Facebook page for updates.
Download the Unfiltered with Kiran app from the Apple App Store and Google Play to stay updated on any new developments.
Plenty of trees, they’ll just be more expensive