The wagons that haul your freshly cut Christmas tree back to the barn have a nickname here. They’re called tree limos. I love a farm that gives a cart that kind of title.
This place spreads across 340 acres with over 80,000 trees planted. You can hunt for nine different kinds of firs, pines, and spruces. That’s a lot of evergreen to wander through with a bow saw in hand.
The trees grow in their natural, untrimmed shapes. That means more open space between branches for your favorite ornaments. I believe that’s a smart trade for anyone with a big ornament box.
On weekends, a free hay wagon ride might roll you past llamas and sheep. It’s all happening on a former dairy farm in Michigan.
Nine Kinds Of Trees Make Choosing Delightfully Hard
Fraser Fir fans, you’re covered. So are folks who love spruce, pine, or something a little unusual.
Urquhart’s Tree Farm grows nine u-cut varieties. The list includes Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Korean Fir, and White Pine.
Spruce lovers get plenty of picks too. You’ll find Black Hills Spruce, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Serbian Spruce.
Black Hills Spruce also goes by White Spruce, in case the name sounds familiar. Trees, like people, sometimes have two names.
With this many options, your family debate could last the whole walk. One person wants soft needles while another wants sturdy branches.
Here’s a practical tip. Pick up a digital or printed map before heading out, since the farm offers both to help you navigate.
The map makes it easier to head straight to the species you want. That saves time and keeps little legs from getting too tired.
Not sure which tree suits your living room? Ask a staff member during full-service hours, and they can point you in a good direction.
The Green Fence Means Tree Season Has Begun
Urquhart’s Tree Farm is at 10050 Jerusalem Road in Chelsea, Michigan. From Interstate 94, take Exit 167 toward Baker Road, turn west on Jackson Road, then south onto Steinbach Road.
At the stop sign, turn west onto Jerusalem Road and continue about half a mile. The green fence and large welcome signs mark the main farm entrance on the right, distinct from the satellite cutting field on Jackson Road.
Enter at the main farm for the tree fields, hay wagons and gift shop. Follow the farm map and posted instructions before heading out to choose a tree.
Your Ornaments Will Thank You For These Natural Shapes
Perfect cones are not the goal here. The farm sells trees just as they grow, without heavy shearing into tight shapes.
That choice gives each tree a looser, more natural look. The extra space between branches leaves plenty of room for ornaments.
Think about those big glass balls that never seem to fit on a packed tree. On an untrimmed tree, they can actually hang freely and show off.
Heirloom ornaments and handmade crafts get their spotlight too. Nothing gets buried deep inside a wall of needles.
The family also says this style makes the hunt more satisfying. Every tree looks a bit different, so you really have to search.
Prefer that classic cone shape? Pre-cut trees are available as well, so everyone can find a match.
The farm also avoids pesticides, fungicides, and chemical fertilizers whenever possible. I appreciate a tree that comes home with that kind of care behind it.
So go in with an open mind and a sense of humor. Your tree might have a quirky lean, and that’s part of its charm.
Grab A Bow Saw And Let The Tree Limo Do The Hauling
Bow saws are provided, no toolbox required. You can bring your own saw too, if you have a favorite.
Once your tree is down, the real fun begins. The farm’s wagons, nicknamed tree limos, help carry your prize back from the field.
I can’t imagine a better job title for a cart. It turns a sweaty haul into a fancy ride for your tree.
Kids usually love helping pull, at least for the first few minutes. After that, a grown-up probably takes over.
A smart move is to measure your ceiling before you leave home. Trees always look smaller outdoors than they do in the living room.
Cut low and steady, and take turns if your arms get tired. Wear gloves, since bark and needles can be a little rough on hands.
Back near the barn, staff shake and bale every tree you buy. Shaking clears loose needles, and baling wraps the branches for the trip home.
That service is included with every tree purchase. It’s a small detail that makes the drive home much easier.
Keep An Eye Out For Llamas On The Hay Ride
Llamas at a Christmas tree farm? Yes, and they might show up during your ride.
On weekends, Urquhart’s Tree Farm runs free hay wagon rides around the property. The wagons carry visitors out to tree fields or simply around the scenic grounds.
Along the way, guests might spot llamas, sheep, and even deer. That makes the ride feel like a bonus mini safari.
The rides help a lot on a spread this big. Some of the farther fields are easier to reach on wheels than on foot.
Those distant fields can also hold a wider selection. If the trees near the barn look picked over, hop on and head out farther.
Bundle up before you climb aboard. A moving wagon in a Michigan December can feel chilly fast.
Hats, mittens, and warm boots will make the ride far more enjoyable. A thermos of cocoa wouldn’t hurt either.
Remember that the hay rides are a weekend feature. Weekday visits run on a self-serve model, so plan your trip around the experience you want most.
Warm Up Inside A Historic Red Barn Full Of Holiday Goodies
Cold fingers find relief fast here. The main farm has a heated indoor gift shop inside a historic red barn.
An outdoor gift shop area adds even more to browse. Between the two, you can finish a good chunk of your decorating list.
Shelves hold handmade ornaments, custom wreaths, roping, and garland. You’ll also find tree stands, which is handy if yours went missing last year.
A custom wreath makes a lovely front door greeting. It could also be a thoughtful gift for a neighbor or teacher.
Then there’s the refreshments stand inside the gift shop. It serves hot and cold drinks plus snacks, including hot chocolate and coffee.
Good luck walking past the cocoa after an hour in the fields. Honestly, it feels like a well-earned reward.
Payment is easy too. The farm takes cash, check, debit, and all major credit cards.
One note for planning ahead. The gift shop is open during full-service weekend hours and closed on self-serve weekdays.
Pick Your Day Wisely For The Experience You Want
Timing changes everything at this farm. The season typically opens the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Full-service hours generally run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Those days bring staff help, free hay rides, refreshments, and the gift shop.
Monday through Thursday often runs as self-serve from 10 am to 5 pm. Staff is limited and the gift shop is closed, but saws and carts are still provided.
From December 21st to 25th, the main farm offers self-serve daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Last-minute tree hunters, this one’s for you.
Opening weekend, especially Black Friday, can get extremely busy. The farm itself has said so, so give yourself extra time.
If you want the full festive package, go on a weekend. If you want quiet fields, a weekday might suit you better.
Hours can shift from year to year. Checking the farm’s own updates before you drive out is always a smart move.
A little planning means more fun and less waiting in the cold.
Taller Trees Wait At A Second Field Down The Road
High ceilings deserve a tall tree. The farm keeps a satellite field that might be exactly what you need.
That second field sits at 10011 Jackson Road in Dexter. It can be a good pick for anyone seeking taller trees.
It may also feel less crowded than the main farm. That’s a nice perk on busy holiday weekends.
The satellite field offers self-serve options on certain days. Check the schedule first so you don’t arrive to a closed gate.
Remember, the main home base is a separate spot. Urquhart’s Tree Farm itself sits at 10050 Jerusalem Road, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.
Bringing a tall tree home takes some prep. The farm has baling twine available to help secure your tree to your vehicle.
Pack an old blanket to protect your car roof from scratches. Bring a tape measure too, because guessing height by eye rarely works.
And yes, measure your doorway. A gorgeous ten-footer stuck on the porch is a story nobody wants to tell.
Every Tree You Cut Makes Room For The Next Generation
Growing a Christmas tree takes serious patience. The farm says reaching six feet takes more than six years.
Urquhart’s Tree Farm plants small trees that are three to five years old. They don’t start from seed, which gives the young trees a head start.
In recent years, the family has planted more than 10,000 trees each year. New fields keep opening as those young trees grow up.
That steady planting matters on a farm this size. With over 80,000 trees in the ground, the cycle never really stops.
The work doesn’t end when winter does either. In spring and summer, the farm offers landscape trees and materials.
Calling ahead for warm-weather hours is the way to go. Those seasons run on a different schedule than the holiday rush.
I believe that’s part of what makes a visit feel meaningful. The tree in your living room came from years of careful work in Michigan soil.
So when you pick your tree this year, know a tiny one is already growing. Someday it’ll be another family’s perfect find.