For many families in Mercer County, New Jersey, Christmas isn’t complete without a fresh tree, beautifully decorated for the season. At Jack’s Nursery & Landscaping in Hopewell Township, Edward “Jack” Jackowski and his wife, Anita, have been growing evergreens for nearly 30 years. They connect with families who return year after year to find their perfect tree. Jack grows Black Hills spruce, Canaan fir, and Norway spruce on their property.
Jack believes the experience of searching for and cutting down a tree is unique. “Kids remember running around out here,” he says. “Anyone can buy a tree from Home Depot, but kids have a blast picking one out here. They’ll remember that.”
The tradition of Christmas tree farming in New Jersey dates back to the early 1900s. The first commercial Christmas tree farm in the U.S. was started in Hamilton Township by William V. McGalliard in 1901. He planted Norway spruces, kicking off a holiday tradition that continues nationwide.
As the holiday season approaches, the debate over real versus artificial trees heats up. Real trees are the more eco-friendly option. “An artificial tree might last 20 years, but when you throw it away, it ends up in a landfill forever,” says Allison Cole from the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers’ Association. “You’re not just buying a tree; you’re creating a tradition.”
Here are some local spots to find fresh Christmas trees this season:
– A & M Farm and Garden Center, Robbinsville
– Barclay’s Tree Farm, Cranbury
– Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm, Lawrence Township
– Colavita Christmas Tree Farm, Yardley
– Countryview Farm Nursery, Monroe Township
– Jack’s Nursery & Landscaping, Hopewell Township
– Keris Tree Farm & Christmas Shop, Allentown
– Lazy Susan Tree Farm, Robbinsville
– Longford Gardens/Makrancy’s, Hamilton
– McLaughlin Tree Farm, Robbinsville
– Simonson Farms, Cranbury/East Windsor
– Spruce Goose Christmas Tree Farm, Chesterfield
– Stone Manor Farm, Titusville
