Winter's $5 Bloom
When flowers sleep, evergreens take the spotlight
This time of year, my garden storytelling shifts from petals to pines. They’re wide awake and ready for their moment.
Whether you’re browsing premium trees at your favorite garden center while it’s snowing or venturing into a National Forest with a $5 permit and a saw, finding the perfect Christmas tree is its own kind of bloom—one that fills your home with fragrance, tradition, and that unmistakable winter magic.
Let me walk you through both paths.
What to Know Before Bringing Home a Christmas Tree
Garden Center:
If you’ve ever stood in front of a row of Christmas trees wondering which one is “the one,” you’re not alone. I recently stopped by Bachman’s and chatted with Andrew Monson, Bachman’s Lead Garden Sale of Trees and Shrubs, Plymouth Store, who walked me through what to look for, what happens once you get your tree home, and a few things to make the season easier.
Q. What makes a tree “premium”?
According to Andrew, the label really means something:
“This is a premium tree. The branches are solid, full, and dense, which gives you that classic full look—and plenty of support for ornaments.”
This particular one was a balsam, so he added you’ll also get that unmistakable, nostalgic Christmas-tree fragrance the minute you walk in the door.
Q. Why does it look so tight and tucked-in?
When I pointed out how “bundled up” the tree looked without being wrapped in netting (let’s call it compressed from the tree farm), Andrew explained:
“They come to us on trucks wrapped in twine. We remove all of that here. But when they’re outside in the cold, the branches naturally pull in. Once you get it home and it warms up, it ‘relaxes.’ Give it a day and it will settle into its shape—ready for decorating.”
By the second day, your tree should look full and natural again.
Q. Do I need to cut the trunk again at home?
Short answer: yes.
“If you want it to last, give it a fresh cut. Just make sure it gets into the water within two hours.” They can do it for you too as Andrew stepped away during our interview to help a customer with a fresh stock cut.
Why do another cut? It opens up the trunk and allows the tree to drink.
Q. Do I add anything to the water?
Andrew’s advice: plain water works best.
“Just keep the reservoir full.
These trees can drink a surprising amount, especially in the first few days.” He also suggests checking the water depth regularly —a dried-out tree is a fire hazard and will drop needles faster than you can say “O Tannenbaum.”
Ready to Make Your Own Memory?
Growing up in Central California, my family didn’t tromp through snowy forests to harvest our Christmas tree. Our modest, tinsel-laden tree came from a lot, driven to our area from far-off wilderness. December meant the harvesting of oranges from our family’s small grove—not bundling up to harvest evergreens. But that’s what makes Minnesota’s cut-your-own tradition so remarkable: the northern forests really are your tree lot.
What to Know Before Bringing Home a Christmas Tree:
From #UpNorth Forests
If you want the fresh-pine-scent experience this year, the National Forests offer you acres of adventure—and that $5 permit I mentioned in the headline.
NOTE: For those roaming beyond Minnesota, or reading Bloom With Me from warmer (or snowier!) places, I’ve included information that covers every state’s cut-your-own options at the end of this section. Winter stops at no border.
Why Cut Your Own Tree?
Choosing and harvesting your own Christmas tree is deeply satisfying, whether it’s a treasured family tradition or a new adventure you’re discovering.
You’re contributing to forest health. Christmas tree permits help thin overcrowded trees, allowing larger trees to thrive and reducing fire risk.
And the value: While a 6-foot tree at a big box store costs $75-150, a National Forest permit is just $5-10. That’s a terrific value for an uncrowded experience and a story to tell.
Get a Permit to Go
Purchase your Christmas tree permit in advance of your visit. The permit sticker provides cutting area guidelines and helps ensure you’re prepared for a safe forest adventure.
Minnesota has TWO National Forests to choose from:
· Superior National Forest (northeastern Minnesota)
· Chippewa National Forest (north-central Minnesota)
Purchase your permit and find detailed cutting guidelines here!
For readers outside Minnesota: Find your state’s Christmas tree cutting permits and guidelines at www.recreation.gov/tree-permits
If You Want to “Paul Bunyan” Your Tree-
For those with a pioneering spirit—folks who want to channel their inner Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox—come prepared.
Bring a sharp bow saw or handsaw (most permits don’t allow chainsaws), rope for securing your tree, measuring tape (permits specify maximum height), warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa for celebrating.
The permit guidelines tell you exactly which areas are designated for cutting, which tree species you can harvest, and distance requirements from roads or trails.
Prefer to Cut Closer to the Metro Area?
If you’d rather stay closer to the Twin Cities metro area, local tree farms offer pre-tagged trees and family activities.
The Minnesota Christmas Tree Association maintains a directory of farms where you can choose and cut your perfect tree. Most run $50-100—better value than big box stores while supporting local growers.
And After the Holidays?
Your tree’s work isn’t done when the ornaments come down. From garden mulch to wildlife habitat, that evergreen has a second act—I’ll share ideas for giving your tree new life in January.
Whether you’re loading a premium balsam into your car at a Garden Center like Bachman’s…
Or trudging through fresh snow with a saw in hand, the perfect Christmas tree is the one that fits your tradition (and hopefully not the Griswold’s tradition).
Have you cut your own holiday tree? I’d love to hear your stories and see photos of your forest adventures! Reply to this email or share your experiences in the comments.
Happy Holidays and #bloomwithme
Diana
“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.”
-Charlie Brown-
This post is just jam-packed with information! I hope a lot of readers share photos of their tree cutting adventures. 🌲