We wanted our three-year old to experience his first Christmas tree farm visit but didn't want to drive too far for a tree. So we found McMurtey's in Woodinville wine country and drove over the Saturday right after Thanksgiving.
It was a pleasant visit on a dry but overcast day. Traffic was heavy in the one lane county road on the approach to the farm with two sheriff cars directing traffic and keeping the road safe for vehicles.
At the farm, there was quite a crowd of families roaming about and looking for their perfect tree. At two pm two days after Thanksgiving, it looked like the farm had already sold half of their u-cut trees.
We eventually found our tree (as chosen by my three year old), cut it down, and hitched a ride in the farm truck to get to the baling area. Our tree was mechanically shaken, the bottom trunk cut/trimmed by chainsaw, baled and loaded to our car by the cheery, helpful farm staff. We paid $64 net for our tree (which I believe is their flat cost for the u-cuts regardless of tree type and height).
Though it was on the expensive side (the pre-cuts were in the $100 plus range), the service (truck ride, hot cocoa, and candy cane included), convenience and the Christmas tree farm and u-cut experience were worth the cost.
Notes: Bring a kneeler (for cutting the tree) and wear boots.
Bring colorful strings to tie on to the trees you have pre-selected so they are easier to spot.
Bring your own tie-down rope if you want a secured tree on the roof of your vehicle.
Related to that, bring a tarp to keep your car roof unscratched.
Go early, the day after Thanksgiving to get first dibs on u-cut trees.
Arrive with an empty bladder if you are squemish about public restrooms.
