Belmond · Iowa
Aldrich Christmas Tree Farm
Drive into the fields to choose a tree, or pick a pre-cut tree by the barn at this family farm south of Belmond. Warm up in the heated barn, with crafts and food vendors during the Thanksgiving open house.
At a glance
Plan your visit.
- Tree season
- Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
- Find the farm
- 1941 Taylor Avenue, Belmond, IA 50421
- Visitor inquiries and tour arrangements515-571-3286
Hours: Noon–5pm daily during tree season.
Dates & hours ↓
Trees & prices.
Official prices ↗| Tree & size | Price |
|---|---|
| Christmas trees | $69.99 The farm posts one price for all trees; check for changes before visiting. |
Dates & hours.
Official visit information ↗Tree season: Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Noon–5pm daily during tree season.
Choose your Christmas tree.
Christmas trees are part of this long-established family farm. Drive your own car or pickup into the fields and take your time choosing a white pine or fir. The farm describes roughly 15,000 living trees, including a 20-acre fir-growing area. Wear warm clothes; a saw is provided and staff can help with cutting. All trees are for sale unless marked otherwise. A sparse Charlie Brown tree is an option if you find one in the fields.
For a shorter stop, pre-cut trees measuring 4–6ft are displayed beside the barn. Aldrich no longer offers flocked Christmas trees, though flocked wreaths are available.
Bring your cut tree back to the processing area, or let staff transport it for you. The crew shakes out loose needles, wraps the tree in netting, drills the base for a stand and ties the tree onto or into your vehicle. During busy periods a shaker also operates in the fields.
Answer Stands are sold at the farm. Ask for a demonstration of the tapered peg and drilled-trunk setup; the farm advertises setup within 2½ minutes. For a hayride or motorcoach visit, check arrangements with the farm before traveling.
Tree species
- White pine
- Fir
The farm visit.
The Thanksgiving open house
The open house runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons of Thanksgiving weekend. Local vendors sell arts, crafts, food and other goods from the old barn’s horse stalls. The heated barn gives you a warm place to browse while your tree is prepared. You are welcome to enjoy the farm without buying a tree.
Treats and photographs
On most weekends, hot apple cider is free and popcorn costs 25¢. Candy canes for children, hot dogs and a photo station add to the outing.
Fresh wreaths
Most wreaths measure 20 or 24 inches, with a few larger sizes. Decorated wreaths are usual, undecorated wreaths are available on request, and flocked wreaths are offered. The farm no longer ships trees or wreaths.
A linked farm coupon offers $5 off a wreath when you also buy a tree. Check redemption arrangements with the farm and bring the coupon if required.
Payment, tours and facilities
Pay with MasterCard, Visa, Venmo, check or cash. Restrooms are in Merrywood, the clearly marked big brown building across from the barn.
Call the farm to arrange a tour. Everyone is welcome, with tours especially geared toward second- through fifth-grade classes. Discuss motorcoach and accessible-facility arrangements before bringing a group.
Caring for your tree
Keep the tree watered, especially during the first few days, when the farm says it may drink up to a gallon a day. A two-liter bottle watering system is available to help fill the stand without crawling underneath.
If several hours pass before you set up the tree, the farm advises trimming another half-inch from the base. For a trunk drilled for an Answer Stand, remove no more than half an inch to preserve the fit.
A free disposal bag is given when you pay for your tree. Follow your town’s disposal arrangements, or return the tree to the farm’s large trailer, where it can be used for mulch or pond fish habitat.
Finding the farm
The farm is five miles south of Belmond. From US Highway 69, follow the blue-and-white farm signs east for one mile on gravel 190th Street, then south for half a mile on Taylor Avenue. The farm lies between 190th and 200th Streets.
The farm’s GPS point is 42.769222, -93.59697. Its printable map includes approaches from I-35 and Clarion; use it if your navigation places the farm elsewhere.
Other farms to compare.
- A&A Christmas Tree FarmMonticello, Iowa
Choose a fresh tree near Monticello, with saws, cutting help and tree handling available. Pets are welcome to join the outing.
- Howell Tree FarmCumming, Iowa
Select a tree and let the Howell crew do the cutting and loading. The gift shop, model train and Christmas displays make a cheerful stop while you wait.
- Kragel Christmas Trees and TraditionsClear Lake, Iowa
Explore the mown tree fields near the Winnebago River, or choose a harvested tree in the barn loft. Finish with wreaths, gifts and the Santa Train in the shop.