Click on the links below for answers to our most common questions. If you still need help, contact us.

• What hours are you open?
• Are you hard to find?
• How much will my Christmas Tree cost?
• How do I get my tree home?
• What kinds of trees do you have?
• Are your trees healthy?
• Is it bad for the environment to cut down the farm trees?
• How do I choose my tree?
• How do I care for my tree?
• Can I get a live tree to plant in the yard after Christmas?
• I use a fake tree but I want to come anyway to join in the fun.
• How do I prepare for my trip to Baldwin Farms?
• Do you make wreaths and other decorations?
• Do you have fun things for kids to do?
• Do you accept credit cards?
• What is your pet policy?
• What is your safety policy?
• Holiday Safety Facts
• Holiday Safety Tips
• Recycling Facts

What hours are you open?

Are you hard to find?

How do I get my tree home?

• It can be secured to your car, van, SUV or truck.  You’re out of luck if you arrive on a donkey, bicycle, motorcycle or Segway.  But we can help you tie it to the roof of your vehicle, to the bed of your truck or into the cargo space.  We have twine and scissors available for your use.

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What kinds of trees do you have?

• We grow Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and White Pine on the farm.  It’s too hot to grow Fraser Fir in Kentucky so we ship them from North Carolina.

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Are your trees healthy?

• Our trees have been inspected by the University of Kentucky and are free of dangerous insects and diseases.

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Is it bad for the environment to cut down the farm trees?

• Trees are a renewable resource.  We replace every tree that we cut. One acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people.  Real trees help control soil erosion and provide habitat for birds and other critters.  They are planted to be harvested.  Later, they can be recycled in a variety of ways to return to the soil from which they grew to complete life’s cycle.  Some folks leave their used tree in the backyard during winter as a bird sanctuary.

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Can I plant a live tree in the yard after Christmas? 

• Yes, but there are limitations.  A balled tree (one that is dug up by the roots and wrapped in burlap for replanting) can only be in the house for a maximum of 7-10 days.  It may be acclimated to the temperature change by warming it up over a 2-3 day period as you bring it into the house and then cooling it back down as you take it back outside.  Plant it as soon as possible.  It needs to be watered thoroughly and often.  Placing ice cubes on the burlap of a balled tree allows the tree to be watered slowly to avoid drowning the tree.
• A balled tree is very heavy to maneuver in the house, but there are ways to handle it.  We have a selection of balled treed dug or you may choose your tree from the field. We will dig it for you and you can return a few days later to pick it up.

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I use a fake tree but I want to come anyway to join in the fun.

• Welcome!  The nostalgia of the fresh country air and the fragrance of real trees will have you re-thinking that fake tree before you leave.  You’ll have fun with our activities, warming at the fire barrel and taking a picture with Santa, if you're lucky to be here when he's making his rounds..  While you’re here, shop for your Christmas wreaths and greenery or pick up a bundle of firewood. 

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Do you have wreaths and other greenery?

• We have fresh wreaths of various sizes. We also have garland, kissing balls, mailbox covers & evergreens. For your convenience, we also have tree stands, tree bags and preservative to help keep your tree fresh. 

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Do you have fun things for kids to do?

• Time spent at Baldwin Farms has become a family tradition for our many long-time customers. Kids, young and old, look forward to the festival atmosphere we’ve created for them during the Pumpkins & More Season.   The animals and other activities provide delightful entertainment as they explore and discover.   At Christmas, they enjoy searching for the perfect tree together with family and selecting their wreaths, garlands and other greenery. Christmas brings a mystical sense of wonder.   Posing in Christmas hats and sharing chocolate and candy canes is a big hit. The Baldwin Farms Family Tradition is a wonderful way to begin the holidays.

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Do you accept credit cards?

• Sorry, no.  We do not accept credit cards at this time.  We accept cash or check (with identification).  We require 50% down with orders.

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How Do I Choose My Tree?

• Evaluate your needs before coming to the farm.  Measure the ceiling where you will put the tree.  Standing in a huge field looking up at the sky makes a Christmas tree look very small.  It’s easy to get carried away with tree size.  The tree will look at lot bigger in your room than it does in the field.

• Measure a height and a diameter.  Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper.  So a tree that is 10’ tall will be 8’ wide.  A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.  Bring a tape measure.

• Choose a tree at least one foot less than the ceiling height.  Room is needed to place the tree in the stand and place decorations on the top of the tree.

• Make sure the bottom of the tree is long enough to be placed in the stand.  About an inch must be cut off the bottom when setting the tree up after you get it home.

• The tree should not be wilted.  Run your hand over the branches.  The needles should not come off, break or be brittle.  If you shake the tree on its stump, you should not see an excessive amount of green needles fall to the ground.  If the needles snap when bent, it has good moisture level.

• Our trees have been inspected by the University of Kentucky and are free pf dangerous insects and diseases.  However, it is always best to check for insects.  Shaking the tree or using compressed air will blow them out.

• Are there any individuals in the household who are allergic to pine sap;  if so, consider another species such as Leyland, Sapphire, etc.  Most pine and fir trees are dormant by late November, so an allergy to pollen should not be a concern for most people. 

• What decorating theme will be used?  Different species’ characteristics can be researched at www.realchristmastrees.org, the National Christmas Tree Associaton (NCTA) website.  Then find a farm near you that has that species you are looking for.

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How Do I Care For My Tree?

• Cut tree bottom begins to form a “seal” in about one hour after cutting because the sap is exposed to air.  This “seal” reduces the intake of water and will cause the tree to dry out quickly.  The tree must be kept in water at all times. 
  
• If you are ready to put your tree up right away, store it in a sheltered place.  A porch or a garage out of the wind and the sun is a good idea.  Make a fresh one- inch cut on the butt and place it in a bucket of warm water.

  
  
• The tree could absorb as much as a gallon to a gallon and two pints of water the first day.  A good rule of thumb is that a tree will drink 65% of its water in the first week.  For every  1” of butt diameter, a tree will use a quart of water per day.  For example, a 4” butt diameter tree will use 1 gallon of water per day for the first several days. 
  
  
• When you are ready to set the tree up, cut off ½ to 1 inch from the bottom of the tree (straight cuts are best) before placing it in a stand that holds a gallon or more of water.  The stand should be filled with hot water as soon as the tree is set up.  The water should not be boiling, but around 130-160°.
  
  
• Keeping a fresh tree watered is a chore after it is decorated.  Here are two ideas that may help make it easier for you. Slip a 3 to 4 foot length of vinyl tubing over a funnel outlet.  Fasten the funnel/tube with a twist-tie or twine in an out-of the way but reachable part of the tree.  Extend the tubing down the tree trunk and into the tree stand reservoir.  Now you can water the tree through the funnel without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt or its ornaments.  Another idea is to fasten one end of a 5 to 6 foot vinyl tube into the tree stand reservoir and the other end weighted into the bottom of a bucket some distance away from the tree (out of sight).  Keep the bucket full of water.  The tube will act as a siphon spilling water into the reservoir to water the tree. 
  
  
• Keep the stand filled with water.  The dried sap will form a seal over the stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree.  The tree can not absorb water when the sap seals.  If this happens, another cut must be made. 
  
  
• Research shows that plain water will keep a tree fresh.  There are additives on the market that help.  Some people use sugar, soft drinks, aspirin and other things.  Make sure the water level never drops below the bottom cut.  If the cut heals, the tree can’t take up more water unless a fresh cut is made.  So give it plenty to drink.
  
  
• Decide where you will place the tree before you lug it around.  Will it be seen from all sides or will it be up against the wall?  Keep it clear of heat sources, air ducts, cold air returns and doorways.  Television sets put off a lot of heat which can help dry out the tree. 
  
  
• Never overload electrical circuits.  Test your light cords for cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets.  Also be sure to unplug the lights before you go to bed or leave the house. 
  
  
• Recycle your tree after Christmas.  Many communities pick up trees and turn them into chips.  You may put the tree in the backyard and place bread, suet, peanut butter and seeds among the branches for the birds. 
  
  
• Keep your tree away from sources of heat like fireplaces, registers, radiators, baseboard heaters and direct rays of sun.  Check all electric lights and connections before decorating your tree and discard all worn and frayed cords.  Be sure to turn off all decorations before you go to bed at night and before you leave home.  Never use lighted candled on the tree.
  
  
• Properly cared for, your healthy tree can stay green and happy from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

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How Do I Prepare For My Trip To Baldwin Farms?

• Come prepared for a day in the country. Wear comfortable shoes and warm, old clothes.  Bring rain gear if the weather is threatening.  The “cutter-downers’ and the “loader-uppers’ should have protective gloves.
• Read all the policies and tips on this page.

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.Pet Policy

• It’s best to leave “Rover” at home.  We don’t encourage you to bring your pets because of the farm animals and other guests.   But, if you decide to bring your pet along, please keep him on a leash at all times. Remember that other guests may not be as “pet friendly” as the rest of us and feel uncertain of your pet’s intentions. We want all our guests to feel welcome and comfortable.  While your pet may also enjoy a day in the country, the farm animals do not particularly enjoy being chased.

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Safety Policy

• We try to keep our fields and other areas well-groomed but there are some things that are beyond all farmers’ control.  We urge you to be cautious to avoid injury and remind you that you visit at your own risk.  Be careful of tree holes, tree stumps, an occasional blackberry vine, uneven ground and sharp saws.  Children under the age of 18 should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. 

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Choose Your Tree

• Bow saws are provided for your use.
• Ask about pricing policy before heading out in the field.

• Head into the field and select the tree that fits your needs.  Check the trunk to be sure it is sufficiently straight.  Keep in mind that pines will have at least some crook in their trunks.  Also check to see that the tree has a sufficiently long handle to accommodate your stand. 

• In the fall of the year ALL pines drop, or shed, a certain portion of their oldest needles.  This is a normal part of the life cycle of the tree.  This phenomenon occurs because the tree is preparing itself for winter.  Shaking the tree will usually cause the loose pine needles to fall leaving a perfectly clean pine. 

• Cutting the tree is easier as a two person project.  The “cutter-downer” usually lies on the ground while the helper holds the bottom limbs up.  The cut is made while the helper tugs on the tree lightly to ensure that the saw kerf remains open and the saw dos not bind.  The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite the cut.  A back cut should be made first with the final cut coming from the opposite side. 

• Bring the tree to the processing area where we will help you load it. If you use our tree stands, we will drill a hole in the trunk of your tree for you.

• Using a tree removal bag as a tree skirt will help keep the floor clean when the tree is taken down. It will already be in place to pull up around the tree catching loose needles and debri making clean-up much easier.

Now you are ready to load up and head home to decorate your live Baldwin Farm Christmas Tree!

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Holiday Safety Facts

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that approximately one tenth of one percent (0.12%) of residential fire involves a Christmas Tree.

Of all Real Christmas Trees enjoyed during the holiday season, fewer than one-one thousandth of a percent (0.001%) are involved in a residential fire!

At no time can a real Christmas tree START a fire.  Ignition sources are always external.

Christmas Trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other common household items:

1. Newspaper and magazine – 13 times more likely
2. Boxes or bags – 10 times more likely
3. Curtains or drapes – 9 times more likely
4. Linens – 8 times more likely
5. Cleaning supplies – 3 times more likely
6. Clothing on a person – 3 times more likely

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Holiday Safety Tips

Select the freshest-looking Real Tree.  Choose & Cut tree farms have the freshest trees.  All cut trees should be in a water holding stand to maintain freshness.  Cut trees not in water may not have been taken care of properly so check for freshness.  Make a fresh cut across the tree’s base and immediately place in water.  Keep the tree’s water container full at all times. Check the water level daily.

Be extra careful of electricity, open flames and other heat sources during the holidays.

Check all Christmas Tree lights, electric decorations and electrical appliances for wear.  Do not use if worn.  Use only UL approved electrical decorations and extension cords.

Place the Christmas Tree well away from heat registers, space heaters, fire places, wood stoves, televisions, computer monitors, and other heat sources.

Place the Christmas Tree clear of doors to keep emergency routes clear.

Unplug tree lights and other decorations when out of the room or sleeping.

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Tree Recycling Facts

In a national survey, 69% of consumers said they recycled their real Christmas trees in community programs.  There are five main types of large-scale uses for post-harvest trees:

• Chipping (chippings are used for various things from mulch to hiking trails)
• Beachfront erosion prevention
• Lake and river shoreline stabilization
• Fish habitat
• River delta sedimentation management

Consumers can access local Christmas tree recycling information by typing in your zip code at NCTA’s website www.realchristmastrees.org or at the EARTH’s 911 website www.cleanup.org   or you can call 1-800-CLEANUP.

Today around 98% of real Christmas trees are grown on farms throughout all 50 states and Canada.  Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource, and Real Trees are planted to be harvested just as corn and/or pumpkins are cultivated for a harvest.

For each Real Christmas Tree harvested, up to three new seedlings are planted in its place, depending on farm size and field rotation.  Young trees in their rapid growth years have a high rate of photosynthesis and thus produce more oxygen than older trees.  Each acre provides the daily oxygen requirement of 18 people.

This year, over 70 million new seedlings were planted by Christmas tree farmers all over America.  There are about 1 million acres in production for growing Christmas trees.  There are approximately 33 million Real Christmas Trees sold in North America every year.  Approximately 330,000 Real Christmas Trees are sold via e-commerce or catalogue and shipped mail-order.

There are about 15,000 growers located in all 50 states and Canada that employ over 100,000 people, either full or part-time.  

The top selling Christmas Trees are:  Balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, Noble fir, Scotch Pine, Virginia Pine, and White Pine. 

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Source:  National Christmas Tree Association and your local Christmas Tree Professional.  Baldwin Farms is a Kentucky Proud Christmas Tree Farmer.