MILWAUKEE — Lunchboxes are filled with turkey scraps and the pines are calling for tinsel, ornaments and — if you follow German tradition — a pickle.
There are many locations in Wisconsin to harvest a Christmas tree, and some of those places are in Wisconsin's public forests.
Harvesting in public forests:
According to the Department of Natural Resources, the average price for a tree harvested on DNR-managed land is about $5, but the price could vary depending on where you live. In northern Wisconsin, finding the perfect tree on state and national lands is a little easier.
Flambeau River State Forest, Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Governor Earl Peshtigo River, Brule River State Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest all offer deals to harvest Christmas trees.
According to the DNR, it is possible to harvest a tree on DNR-managed lands in southeast Wisconsin, but it may take a little more legwork. Anyone interested in cutting down a tree should call the property in advance and ask about purchasing a collection permit. Some trees like the balsam fir and the white spruce do not grow naturally in southern Wisconsin. The trees may be grown for a specific reason in the parks and may not be available for harvest.
Any tree that is harvested in southeast Wisconsin should stay in southeast Wisconsin to prevent the spread of invasive species like the spongy moth. The DNR encourages harvesters to check their tree for egg masses or signs of the insect before cutting it down and taking it home. Egg masses look like tan-colored lumps that can range in size, but are typically about the size of a quarter.
Family farms are one of the more popular places for southern Wisconsinites to find and bring home that perfect tree. Unlike state forests, farms will typically remove snow from the branches and tie it to the car.
Here are some farms to cut your own tree:
Poplar Creek Tree Farm
3895 S Woelfel Rd, New Berlin, WI 53146
Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Riehle's Tree Farm Inc.
W377S5944 County Rd CI, Dousman, WI 53118
Open Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Trees for Less Nursery
11550 N Wasaukee Rd, Mequon, WI 53097
Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sandhill Tree Farm
2323 E River Rd, Grafton, WI 53024
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (This is based on inventory)
Valley View Tree Farm
W798 Valley View Rd, Burlington, WI 53150
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sugar Creek Tree Farm
N6447 Church Rd, Burlington, WI 53105
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Rolling Hills
W5062 County Rd F, Waldo, WI 53093
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bink's Get Real Christmas Tree Farm
6951 Glacier Dr, West Bend, WI 53090
Hours may vary.
Hann's Christmas Farm
848 Tipperary Rd, Oregon, WI 53575
Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enchanted Valley Acres
5047 Enchanted Valley Rd, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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