Frequently Asked Questions

What types of trees do you have?

We have Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, and White Pine. All of these varieties have excellent needle retention if they are properly cared for after being cut down. For more information and pictures, please visit our tree varieties.

How much do the trees cost?

All harvest-your-own trees are one price independent of tree size.  In 2019, the cost of a Harvest-Your-Own tree was $75 which includes $4.48 tax as well as a farm-designed, CT-made pewter ornament from Woodbury Pewter.  All harvest-your-own tree customers also receive a beautiful farm-designed, CT-made pewter ornament. Guests wishing to purchase a fresh-cut tree can visit our historic barnyard on the Homestead Farm. Prices of fresh-cut trees vary, as these trees are sold by the foot (trees range in size from 2 feet to 14 feet tall). In 2019, fresh-cut trees range in price from $25 for an Elf Tree to more than $200 for the largest of trees, with a wide selection priced from $49 to $109.

How big are the trees?

In our harvest-your-own tree fields, there is a wonderful selection of trees that are 8 feet tall and shorter. There are limited trees larger than 9 feet in the fields during the early season; they are predominantly the lovely blue spruce trees and Douglas firs and require a little more time to hunt down.  Customers looking for a tall tree should plan on cutting a tree earlier in the harvest season or visiting our barnyard. In our barnyard, we do sell fresh-cut trees that range in size from 2 feet tall to 15 feet tall that are grown on one of our other farm locations.

We strongly recommend that you measure your ceiling height before your farm visit! Out in the fields, trees appear smaller to you than they are. Also, please be advised that the very tall trees are extremely heavy, requiring a substantial vehicle to transport them home and often a special tree stand. For those looking for a tree larger than 15 feet, please stop by the farm to make an appointment to pick up your tree on a weekday.

What should I bring to the farm to cut a tree?

We strongly recommend you bring a tarp to pull your tree through the tree fields. We do provide free twine for tying the tree to your car. We also have handsaws for visitors to borrow. If you own a handsaw and are visiting the farm on the first two weekends in December, you might wish to bring it. (No axes or chainsaws allowed.) Please wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing - it can get cold on top of the hill.

What are your hours of operation?

From the weekend before Thanksgiving through December 23, we are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.  For Harvest Your Own Trees, arrive before 4 pm to harvest the tree before it gets too dark. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day and close early on Christmas Eve at 4 pm.

Can my group come to your farm?

We provide parking areas for your vehicles – however, space is limited and therefore we do not have the ability to provide room for tailgate parties. We love to see guests standing at their tailgates, sipping some hot cocoa from a thermos, after their hikes in the fields; however, due to safety considerations, tents, chairs, picnic blankets, cooking of any kind, ball playing, and the like are not allowed in our parking lots. It is expected every car in our lot will leave with at least one tree. Please see our complete policy on tailgating and parking lot refreshments. These guidelines were developed to ensure all visitors have a safe and happy time while harvesting a Christmas tree.

Can I bring a picnic to the farm?

We understand after harvesting a tree you need to nourish yourselves with sandwiches and healthy snacks, so you are allowed to have a modest, safe "tailgate" according to our guest guidelines.  Please note, there is no outside food and picnicking permitted in the courtyard and pavilion adjacent to the Harvest Kitchen and Winery. Our Harvest Kitchen creates farm-made cookies from scratch and serves them along with mulled cider, cold cider and coffee.   Guests may enjoy a seat by the bonfire, but we ask when being in our courtyard, pavilion and patio that you support the farm by only eating items purchased at the Harvest Kitchen. Also, there is no alcohol allowed outside of the winery, including bottles of Jones wines.

Can I bring my dog to the farm?

Yes, your dog is allowed during tree season as long as it is on a leash at all times and remains on the paths in the Christmas tree woods.  No pet dogs are allowed in the winery, gift shop or wreath barn. Damage done by dogs is the responsibility of the owner. We request you bring a plastic bag and scoop the poop into farm waste containers. Thanks!

Do you carry the trees to our car and tie it on?

We do try to offer that service when we can, especially for pre-cuts in our barnyard. However on our busy weekends, in the cut-your-own fields, it's difficult to have enough crew to help tie trees to cars. We do provide twine so that you can tie it to your car if our crew is unavailable.

Do you deliver trees?

No, we do not deliver trees. However, in our barnyard at the main farm, we do sell fresh-cut trees and we have staff that can help you select the tree, carry it to your car, and tie it to your car if you wish. In the barnyard, we have an assortment of small trees that are light and manageable.

Do you take credit cards?

We do not accept credit cards for the harvest-your-own trees. Cash or check only. Credit cards are only accepted for wreaths, garlands, and fresh-cut trees in the homestead barnyard, as well as in the winery and the gift shop. Thank you for understanding. If you will be buying a harvest-your-own tree with a check, it would be a big help if you pre-wrote the check before arriving at the cashier. Make checks out to Jones Family Farms and please include your phone number on the check.

Does Santa visit your farm?

We’ve worked it out with the elves at the North Pole that Santa will visit us for our annual visit from Santa on the weekend before Christmas! Weather permitting Santa usually visits those days from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  In 2019, Santa visits the weekend of Dec. 21 and 22. Join Santa by the hearthside in our beautiful Wreath Barn.

Is the farm handicap accessible?

In the Homestead Barnyard parking lot, there are handicap-accessible parking spaces. Some wheelchairs are able are able to handle the barnyard terrain if the weather conditions are good, but please be advised it is unpaved with uneven areas.

How do I take care of my fresh-cut tree?

Keep the tree outdoors (but protected from the wind and sun) or on an unheated porch or patio until you are ready to decorate. To help make your tree last for several weeks you should: Use a good tree stand that holds lots of water - up to a gallon is best. Cut at least one-half inch from the bottom of the trunk before putting the tree in its stand, and you can use warm water the first time you put your tree in the stand. A tree oozes sap, which will harden and block water flow unless set in water immediately. Water the tree daily using plenty of water, and check it often to be sure it doesn't dry out. If the water level drops below the trunk, a seal forms just as it does on a cut flower and a new cut is necessary. A properly watered tree is very unlikely to become a fire hazard. If possible, locate the tree in a cooler part of the room, away from heaters, which speeds up the drying-out process.

Should I be concerned if my tree loses a few needles?

No. While hardwood trees lose all of their leaves each fall, evergreen trees lose only part of their needles or leaves each fall. Needles shed naturally after two to five years of growth depending on the species. Those brown dry needles you see on the floor come from inside the evergreen. They fall out after the first frost in October and on through the winter. This cycle is their normal life routine and accounts for the carpet of needles on the ground in an evergreen forest. Before setting up your tree in the house, stamp your tree on the ground outside and shake well to dislodge all dry interior needles.

What do I do with my tree after the holidays?

After the holidays, a Christmas tree has many uses: Place it in the garden or backyard for use as a winter bird feeder. Orange slices, stale bread with peanut butter, and suet attract birds and the branches provide shelter. A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed for mulch in the garden or for window box decor. The trunk can be used for fuel, woodworking projects, or chopped for mulch. Fir tree foliage can be stripped from the branches and snipped into small pieces for stuffing into aromatic fir needle pillows.