If you had hoped to cut a fresh Christmas tree but haven’t made it out yet this season, your options are dwindling. A shortage rooted in the Great Recession continues to beleaguer local farms.
The economic crash of more than a decade ago, an oversupply of seedlings that led to a drop in tree prices, and hot, dry summers have all taken a toll on the Christmas tree supply.
“When you plant a tree, you’re not going to plan on harvesting it for seven years,” tree farmer Glen Thornton said. “We replant trees every year to keep a steady flow.”
Many Clark County farms have already closed their fields for the season to protect supply for future years, but you can still find trees at Thornton’s Treeland — at least through this weekend.
“The people coming out taking time with their family, they want to have a nice outing in the country,” Thornton said. Visitors to his farm can pet animals, buy crafts and go on hayrides.
Tree prices vary by size and type at the farm, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 at 7617 N.E. 119th St. Hours will be reduced after that. Call 360-573-8733 or check online at www.thorntonstreeland.com for details.
For a fresh-cut tree with one of Clark County’s most scenic drives and adorable baby animals, the 160-acre Washougal River Christmas Tree Farm fits the bill. Located 7 1/2 miles up the winding Washougal River Road, you’ll travel beside the river and through the woods to this hilltop farm with sweeping views of snow-dusted hills.
Visitors are treated to free hot cocoa, candy canes and Christmas tunes in the heated office. The farm normally has U-cut trees, but because stocks are low this year the farm will offer a larger selection of pre-cut Noble and Douglas fir trees. Tabletop trees 3 feet and shorter are $19.95, and all others are $44.95.
Before you leave, make your way over to the picturesque old barn, strewn with fresh-smelling hay and filled with extremely Instagrammable farm animals, a menagerie that includes Elvis the friendly donkey.
The farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 18 at 39336 N.E. Washougal River Rd., Washougal. Call 360-837-3591 or check online at www.washougalriverchristmastrees.com for details.
If you want a bit of agriculture with your pre-cut tree, check out Bi-Zi Farms or Joe’s Place Farms.
At Bi-Zi, you’ll find winter squash, apples, local honey, jelly and other products from the farm. Staff will help you assemble custom gift baskets. The farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 9504 N.E. 119th St. Call 360-574-9119 or check online at www.bi-zifarms.com for details.
At Joe’s Place, you can buy your tree plain or flocked, with prices starting at $22. The farm also has produce, as well as walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts and chestnuts in the shell. The farm sells gift-ready baking and soup mixes, and all kinds of bakery items.
If you are set on cutting your own tree and feel ready for a wilderness experience, there’s one place we know won’t run out: the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can get a $5 permit to cut a Christmas tree online at openforest.fs.usda.gov, or in person at Forest Service offices until Dec. 24.
Most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving, so bring traction devices and a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Don’t plan to rely on your mobile phone if you get stuck, because most areas have no wireless service.
You can cut a tree as tall as 12 feet, but learn from Clark Griswold’s mistake and make sure it will fit in your house first.
