O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are thy branches!

Sure, you can pick up a tree at most grocery stores or commercial tree lots that dot the roads from mid-November to Christmas… but there aren’t a lot of treasured memories being created there. Why not make acquiring your tree this year something truly special with a visit to one of South Carolina’s own tree farms?

A lot of love gets poured into the growing and harvesting of Christmas trees. Planting the seedlings at less than a foot tall and growing them to 6-foot tall trees takes seven or eight years. The trees have to be fertilized several times a year, sheared 2 – 4 times a year, and the grass must be mowed from March – October around the growing trees.

You’ll be helping to support our state’s family farmers and you’ll help to create your own cherished holiday memories! Each farm can help you with your Christmas decorating needs – trees, wreaths, garlands, and more. The following farms are members of the South Carolina Christmas Tree Growers Association.

So what kinds of Christmas trees grow in South Carolina? Melissa Williams of Dolce Vita Farms in Eastover provided me with some information that might help you to know which variety you’d like:

Blue Ice is a variety of Arizona Cypress.  Foliage is blue-green in color, soft to the touch, slim profile, and very dense with an outstanding citrus aroma.  Due to their tendency to dry out even in water stands, it is recommended to cut these 3 to 4 weeks before Christmas.

Carolina Sapphire is a relatively new cultivar of Arizona Cypress.  Foliage is a beautiful blue color, fuller profile, and wonderfully lemony mint/citrus aroma.  Longevity is similar to cedar but is soft to touch.  Good for medium to heavier ornaments.

Leyland Cypress is incredibly long-lasting when kept in water.  A deep green color and intricate lacy foliage give this tree a more traditional color and style.  Great for lighter-weight ornaments.  Doesn’t shed!  Fast becoming the new Southern tradition Christmas tree.

Other varieties grown in South Carolina include Virginia Pine, Eastern White Pine, Murray Cypress, and native Red Cedar.

Booth’s Christmas Tree Farm, Horry County. Opens Saturday, November 20. Then Monday – Saturday from 8am – 6pm | Sunday from 1pm – 5pm. 5268 Adrian Highway, Conway, SC 29526
They sell a variety of Christmas trees grown on their farm and NC fresh-cut Fraser firs, as well as wreaths and garlands. You can cut your own (they provide saws) or they will cut it for you at no extra charge. They shake, net and bale and help with tie-down. They also sell flocked trees, wreaths, garlands, and mini trees for tabletops! Booth’s Christmas Tree Farm is located in Conway, South Carolina. The farm is located 30 miles from Myrtle Beach and about 50 miles from Florence. Website here. Facebook page here.

Caldwell Tree Farm, Fairfield County Opens November 26, Friday from 10am – 5pm. Then every Saturday from 10am – 5pm until they sell out of trees. 3227 US Hwy 321 North, Winnsboro, SC Currently, they offer fresh-cut Fraser firs from NC as their baby trees are still coming up and not ready to cut (they will be in a few years!). They create handsome wreaths that are made from their own greens and you can order them by calling 803-402-0493 or pick one up during your visit. The Caldwells serve hot cocoa, free to guests, to sip as they stroll around the farm (you can purchase the cocoa mix, made on the farm, too!) Caldwell Tree Farm is located just outside the town of Winnsboro in Fairfield County, S.C. Website here. Facebook page here.

Cedar Post Tree Farm, Greenwood County Opens on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 25 and then open Monday – Friday 3pm to 5pm (or dark), Saturday 10am to 5pm (or dark) and Sunday  1pm to 5pm (or dark) until they sell out of trees. 2715 Sam Hodges Road, Donalds, SC 29638 Walk the farm and choose the tree you’d like from several varieties. You can cut it yourself, or they’ll cut it for you. They also have fresh-cut Fraser firs in varying sizes from North Carolina and fresh wreaths! Special treats – let your kids ride the Reindeer Train! Santa will be at Cedar Post Tree Farm on Nov 26, 27 and 28 from 1pm – 4pm each day! The farm is located 15 miles north of Greenwood in Greenwood County. Website here. Facebook page here.

Davenports Tree Farm, Greenwood County Opens Tuesday November 23 and then open 12pm – dark Monday – Friday, 9am – dark on Saturdays and 1pm – dark on Sundays. They will be open until Christmas Day. 2509 Cokesbury Rd Greenwood, SC 29649 At Davenports Tree Farm, you will find a variety of southern Christmas trees, including Leyland Cypress, Thuja Green and Carolina Sapphires. Choose your favorite! They will cut it, shake it, bale it and tie it securely to your vehicle for the ride home. If you would like to replant your tree, they can leave the roots on most “cut your own” varieties. Visit their gift shop where you’ll find Christmas decor, hand-cut wreaths with homemade bows, fresh garland, tree stands, unique ornaments and yard art and much more! Davenport Tree Farm proudly participates in the Trees for Troops program, which provides Christmas trees to military troops and their families. Website here. Facebook page here.

Dolce Vita Farms, Richland County Dolce Vita opens Friday November 26 and will be open until December 24 – Thursday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Other times by appointment, 803-238-1406. 1715 Congress Rd., Eastover, SC They sell a variety of southern Christmas trees as well as Christmas greens – Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, and DD Blanchard Magnolia stems. Imagine how great your home will smell with all this wonderful fresh-cut greenery! Facebook page here.

Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees, Aiken County Opens Sunday November 21 at 1pm. They will be open from 1pm – 5:30pm Sunday – Friday. On Saturdays, they’re open from 10am – 5:30pm. Black Friday hours 10am – 5:30pm. 402 Uncle Duck Road, Monetta, SC 29105 About 4 miles north of I-20 exit Exit 39. The farm offers wide-open spaces to run, jump, picnic, and take photos! On Saturdays and Sundays ride the Little t Train and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies in the Red Door Wreath House. The Red Door Wreath House offers fresh wreaths and hand-made bows. Website here. Facebook page here.

Wrights Christmas Tree Farm, Saluda County Opening day is Friday November 26. Hours are Monday – Wednesday: 3pm-5:30pm, Thursday-Saturday: 10am-5:30pm, Sunday: 1pm-5:30pm. 255 Christmas Tree Lane Ward, SC 29166 Harvesting a Real Christmas Tree isn’t just a cut-and-run event at Wright’s Tree Farm! With an open fire pit for roasting marshmallows, tractor hayrides, and a great crafts canteen, there’s plenty of activities to foster your family’s Christmas spirit. Sit down and enjoy the great scenery, southern hospitality, and good company at Wright’s Tree Farm. Trees grown include Deodar Cypress, an expressive evergreen with weeping branchlets and soft touchable foliage that can reach 70 feet tall (just in case you need a REALLY big tree!). Website here. Facebook page here.