From the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas day, it’s very common to see people driving with a tree strapped down on top of their car. For many, it’s an annual tradition. You get the tree, set it up in the corner of your living room, and take in the holiday aroma as you listen to Christmas music, drink hot cocoa and decorate your tree.

But wouldn’t it be more satisfying knowing that tree was sawed down with your very own hands? Lucky for you, there are numerous tree farms in the area that can provide you with an annual holiday tradition of cutting down your own Christmas tree. And if you’re just not in the mood, there are also pre-cut tree options.

Trinity Tree Farm in Issaquah has been selling trees since the 1980s, but the Dutro family has owned it since 1996.

“We have really focused on growing beautiful Christmas trees and providing our customers with an annual holiday tradition to visit our farm,” said Glenn Dutro, owner of Trinity Tree Farm.

Dutro said that Trinity Tree Farm is a festive family-oriented place to select and cut your own Christmas tree, but they also have a healthy selection of pre-cut trees to choose from. They offer assistance loading the tree onto your vehicle, a complimentary tree tie down, complimentary hot beverages, train rides for children at an additional charge, two fire pits where people can relax and warm up, an antique fire engine for a photo opportunity and food stands that serve hot dogs, kettle corn, nachos, pretzels, snacks and refreshments.

“Our farm offers a close in but natural woods-like setting,” Dutro said. “The farm is on top of a hill and offers beautiful views of Squak, Tiger Mountain and Mount Rainier. We pride ourselves on offering the best customer service possible. We will help out in any way to make your tree hunting experience a great time.”

Serres Farm in Redmond planted their first Christmas tree in 1987. Bill Serres said the trees grow about a foot a year, so they didn’t start harvesting their trees until 1992.

Serres, owner and operator of the family owned 24-acre Serres Farm, said they offer u-cut trees of all sizes, from 4 to 24-feet.

“We provide you a saw, and you cut down your perfect tree,” he said.

After finding and cutting the perfect tree, Serres said people can help themselves to hot coffee or homemade cookies made by his wife while the tree is loaded and tied down free of charge.

And if you want your tree to last, Serres said it’s important to follow certain instructions.

“The main thing on a tree is that as soon as it’s cut and as soon as you can, get it in water. It will start pulling water up right away, and it will stay green and fresh. Make sure you have it in a stand with water. If you leave it out even for a short period of time, it won’t pull water up. If you have a good tree and you handle it well, it will last from Thanksgiving to Christmas – just don’t let it run out of water,” Serres said.

Dutro and Serres explained that many families attend the farms year after year because it becomes a family tradition. They both said that attending a farm and cutting your own Christmas tree is a special holiday experience.

Both farms are now open.

Trinity Tree Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend. Santa will be at Trinity Free Farm for pictures from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. Trinity Tree Farm is located at 14237 228th Ave. SE, Issaquah.

Serres Farm is open from 1-5:30 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the weekend. Serres Farm is located at 20306 NE 50th St., Redmond.