Local tree farms gear up for the holiday season

You don’t have to travel far to find a fresh, fragrant Christmas tree in Redmond.

Two nearby, family-owned tree farms, are rolling out their holiday welcome mats on Friday, Nov. 27.

• McMurtrey’s Red-Wood Farm, 13925 Redmond-Woodinville Rd., will be open daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through Dec. 21. Owner Jana Sifuentes explained that hours for U-cut trees will close earlier, as that can only be done during daylight. Saws are provided.

Freshly-cut Nobles, Grands, Frasers and Douglas firs will be available until Dec. 21.

To make getting the Christmas tree into a real “family outing,” Red-Wood Farm offers wagon rides all weekend and during the week as requested. Free hot cider, cocoa and candy canes are also available.

After 30 years in this location, including 20 as a Christmas tree farm, Red-Wood Farm sees many returning customers, who’ve been regulars since their kids were little, as well as new families each year, said Sifuentes.

The best thing is “having a fun, family business that we all enjoy,” she noted. “All our children have worked on the farm and love working during Christmas season. It’s a fun business to be in, and most of the customers are happy and having a good time so that makes us have a good time.”

Wreaths and mistletoe are also sold at Red-Wood Farm. If you are bringing your dog, please keep it leashed. Payment is by cash or checks only.

For information, call (425) 482-8795 or visit http://www.red-woodfarm.com.

• Serres Farm, 20306 NE 50th St., is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends and 2-5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 20. U-cut, precut and living trees are available. Varieties include Noble, Turkish and Douglas firs, said owner Bill Serres.

In addition to cash and checks, Serres Farm accept credit cards. For information, call (425) 868-3017 or e-mail serres.farm@yahoo.com.