FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Head to the country for a REAL Christmas tree!

HOURS and DIRECTIONS

From farm hours to Christmas tree care, find the answers to the most common farm questions below. If you still have questions, talk with our knowledgeable farm folks at 636-432-6757.

General Farm Information

  • Heritage Valley Tree Farm is located west of St. Louis in rural Washington, Missouri.

    ADDRESS:
    Heritage Valley Tree Farm
    1668 Four Mile Road
    Washington, MO 63090

    GET DIRECTIONS

  • Plan for the weather and wear casual, comfortable clothing. Very few areas of the farm are covered so plan accordingly. Footpaths are unpaved with uneven ground so sturdy footwear is recommended. Field conditions vary with the weather. If it has recently rained or snowed, be prepared for mud with hikers or boots. 

  • We are committed to providing an enjoyable visit for each and every guest to the extent that we are able to do so. Reserved parking for the disabled is available with close proximity to the farm yard. Access by wheelchair to the farm yard and some fields is only possible when weather and ground conditions are good and always under guidance of someone. However, please note that this is a working farm and all ground surfaces, including the parking lot, are unpaved with uneven terrain. For questions related to accessibility, please email infoHVTF@gmail.com or call 636-432-6757.

  • We love animals but ask that you please refrain from bringing your pet(s) to the farm to ensure the full enjoyment of all guests, safety of your pet(s), our pets, and crops. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • Modern restrooms are available for your convenience.

  • Yes, private photo sessions are permitted during select photo days in November.
    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

  • No, we do not offer private outings or weddings.

  • No, we do not carry balled and burlapped evergreens for planting. Our evergreens are grown strictly for choose and cut Christmas trees. We suggest you try contacting Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann, MO, or Meert’s Tree Farm in Festus, MO.

Christmas Trees

  • The Christmas tree fields open for cut-your-own Christmas trees on November 27, 2026.

    FRIDAY, NOV. 27: FIRST DAY FRIDAY
    RESERVATION REQUIRED (More info will be shared later this Fall.)
    SATURDAY, NOV. 28: 9AM - 5PM
    SUNDAY, NOV. 29: 11AM - 5PM

    SATURDAY, DEC. 5: 9AM - 5PM
    SUNDAY, DEC. 6: 11AM - 5PM

    SATURDAY, DEC. 12: 9AM - 5PM
    SUNDAY, DEC. 13: 11AM - 5PM

    Closing for the 2026 season on Dec. 13th or sold out.

  • Canaan Fir
    White Pine

    ​SEE VARIETIES

  • All Christmas trees for sale are individually tagged with the height and price.

  • Caring for your real Christmas tree is easy! The most important things to remember are WATER and LOCATION. Trees are very thirsty. A fresh cut tree can consume up to ONE GALLON of water a day. Use a water-bearing stand with a minimum one-gallon water capacity. Initially, check the stand twice a day, supplying fresh water as needed.

    READY TO DECORATE TODAY:
    Make a Fresh Cut
    Before placing your tree in it’s stand, make a 1/2” - 1" fresh cut off the trunk base. This removes the trunk portion that has been sealed off with sap and allows the tree to take up water.

    Water Immediately
    After making a fresh cut off the trunk base, place your tree in the stand and fill with fresh water as soon as possible. Water is essential to helping your tree stay fresh longer. Check your stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. Keep in mind, if you allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut, sap will form a seal over the trunk, preventing the tree from taking up any more water.

    Location, Location, Location
    Pick a location in your home where your tree can be showcased away from ALL heat sources - like a radiator, baseboard heater, or forced air vents. Never put your tree near a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Heat tends to dry out your tree quickly. When possible, avoid windows with direct southern exposure, since they have the strongest sunlight.


    WAITING TO DECORATE:
    Your tree can be temporarily stored in a cool location until your ready to move it indoors and decorate it.

    Make a Fresh Cut
    Make a 1/2” - 1" fresh cut off the trunk base. The fresh cut removes the trunk portion that has been sealed off with sap and allows the tree to take up water.

    Water Immediately
    After making a fresh cut off the trunk base, place your tree in a bucket or tub full of fresh water. Water is essential to helping your tree stay fresh longer. Check water level to ensure it does not go below the base of the tree. Keep in mind, if you allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut, sap will form a seal over the trunk, preventing the tree from taking up any more water.

    Location, Location, Location
    Store your tree in a location where it is protected from the sun and wind, like an unheated garage or covered porch. When you’re ready to bring the tree into your home, follow the instructions above, making sure to make another fresh cut.​


    BE SAFE:
    Check all electric lights and connections before decorating your tree. NEVER use lights with worn or frayed cords or lighted candles on your tree. Be careful not to overload electrical circuits. Place your tree away from fireplaces and other heat sources. In addition to creating fire hazards, these sources speed evaporation and moisture loss, causing your tree to lose needles. Be sure to turn off all decorations before retiring for the evening, or any other time you leave your home.

  • Research has shown that plain tap water is best.

  • Yes, we carry tree stands as well as tree preservative and tree disposal bags.

  • Our tree farm does not carry potted Christmas trees for planting. We suggest you try contacting Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann, MO, or Meert’s Tree Farm in Festus, MO.

First Day Friday

BY RESERVATION ONLY

  • First Day Friday is simply our name for the Friday following Thanksgiving—the first day of our annual Christmas tree season. It’s also our busiest day of the season, so requiring reservations helps ease parking concerns, keep lines shorter, ensure adequate staffing, and create a great experience for everyone!

    This year, First Day Friday falls on Friday, November 27, 2026. If you’re planning to choose your Christmas tree that day, you’ll need to make your reservation in advance.

  • Reservations can be made through our online reservation system. The link to book your spot will go live October 15, 2026.

  • Yes. There is a $5.00 non-refundable reservation fee per tree. This reserves your spot to choose a Christmas tree on November 27 at the arrival time slot you prefer.

    Planning to get two or more Christmas trees? You’ll need a reservation for each tree.

  • Your reservation with QR code should be in your inbox. If not, check your spam or junk folder.

  • Click the “View Ticket” link in your reservation confirmation email.

  • Print your reservation with the QR code or have it ready on your phone when you arrive at the farm. We’ll confirm your reservation at your vehicle before you proceed to the parking lot.

    It’s best if your entire group arrives together.

  • If you need to reschedule for a different arrival time slot, click the Account Center link at the bottom of your confirmation email for the option to edit your reservation.

    If you have any difficulty, just send us an email at heritagevalleytreefarm@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.

  • We anticipate high demand for reservations on Friday, November 27. If reservations are sold out, we recommend planning your visit on Saturday or Sunday, when reservations are not required.

  • We’ve experienced all kinds of weather over the past 35+ seasons, and we’ve rarely had to close for the day. If we do, we’ll let you know by email and post an update on our social media.

    First Day Friday is RAIN or SHINE, so please dress appropriately for changing weather conditions and uneven ground.

    Keep in mind that our rural farm road conditions may be different from the road conditions in your area. Please use your best judgment and stay safe.

    If the weather isn’t cooperating, you’re always welcome to visit us Saturday or Sunday, when reservations aren’t required.

Pecans

  • The pecan shop opened on Wednesday, November 19, with the new 2025 crop of in-shell and cracked pecans.

    The annual Fall pecan harvest begins after the first hard freeze of the season. The freeze helps to open the pecan shucks, allowing for the pecan to fall from the tree when shaken. Timing depends on Mother Nature but the harvest typically takes place in early to mid-November. Keep an eye on our website this November, as we keep it updated with crop availability. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for pecan crop updates.

  • Our farm does not sell pecan tree saplings. We suggest you try contacting Forrest Keeling Nursery in Elsberry, MO, or Stark Bro's Nurseries and Orchard in Louisiana, MO.