You know that specific smell? Not the candle version. Not the "pine-scented" spray that smells like a floor cleaner. I’m talking about the sharp, cold, sap-heavy scent that hits you the second you step out of a car into a field of actual trees. That’s the vibe at Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm LLC.
Most people think a Christmas tree is just a commodity you grab from a grocery store parking lot. Wrong. It’s an experience, or at least it should be if you’re doing it right. Located out in Covington, Georgia, this farm has become a massive tradition for families across the Southeast. But honestly, if you show up on a Saturday afternoon in late November without a plan, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the place.
It’s big.
It’s busy.
And if you aren't careful, you’ll end up with a tree that’s three feet too tall for your living room because everything looks smaller when it's standing in a wide-open field.
The Reality of Choosing Your Own Tree at Berry’s
Let’s get into the weeds—literally. Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm LLC isn't just a flat lot. It’s a working farm. You’ve got options here that go beyond the standard "choose and cut" Leyland Cypress. While the Leyland is the king of Georgia Christmas trees because it doesn't shed needles and doesn't have a strong scent (great for people with allergies), the farm also brings in pre-cut varieties for those who want that classic Balsam or Fraser Fir smell.
Cutting your own tree is a workout. You’ll get a saw. You’ll wander. You’ll argue with your spouse about which side is the "front."
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The farm grows several varieties right there on-site. You’ve got the Murray Cypress, which is basically the Leyland's sturdier cousin. Then there’s the Blue Ice—which has this incredible dusty blue hue and smells like citrus and pine had a baby. It’s unique. If you want a tree that makes people stop and ask, "Wait, what is that?", go for the Blue Ice.
Why Timing is Everything
If you show up the day after Thanksgiving, expect a crowd. It’s Georgia. People take their holiday traditions seriously. The farm usually opens for the season in mid-November, and the early birds get the best "perfect" shapes.
However, there’s a secret to the late-season hunt. If you wait until mid-December, the crowds thin out. Sure, the selection of 10-foot giants might be lower, but the atmosphere is way more chill. You can actually hear the wind in the trees instead of just hearing kids screaming about hot cocoa.
Speaking of cocoa, the "Christmas Train" and the concession stand are part of the draw. It’s a whole production. They’ve got hayrides that take you out into the fields, which is a lifesaver because carrying a 75-pound tree back to the processing area by hand is a great way to throw out your back before the holidays even start.
Logistics: The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Don't wear your nice sneakers. This is a farm. If it rained three days ago, there will be mud. If it’s dry, there will be dust. Wear boots.
When you find your tree, you’ll flag down a worker or use the provided saws. Once it’s down, the staff at Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm LLC handles the heavy lifting of shaking and baling.
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- The Shaker: This machine vibrates the tree violently to get rid of dead needles and any stray bugs or bird nests. It’s essential.
- The Baler: They wrap it in tight plastic netting. Do not skip this. Trying to get an unwrapped tree through a standard front door is a nightmare of epic proportions.
Pricing is usually by the foot, but it varies by species. Firs that are trucked in from North Carolina will always cost more than the Cypress trees grown right there in the Covington soil. That’s just economics—shipping heavy trees isn't cheap.
The "Real" Tree Debate: Is It Worth the Hassle?
Some people swear by their artificial trees. They like the convenience. But honestly, there’s something soulless about pulling a plastic pole out of a dusty box in the attic.
Real trees from places like Berry’s are carbon sinks while they’re growing. They provide oxygen. They’re recyclable. When the season is over, you don't shove it back in the attic; you turn it into mulch or sink it in a pond for fish habitat. It’s a cycle.
Plus, there is a nuance to the scent of a real tree that science just hasn't perfected yet. The terpenes released by a fresh-cut Virginia Pine or a Fraser Fir actually have mood-boosting properties. It’s basically forest bathing in your living room.
Tips for Keeping Your Berry’s Tree Alive
You’ve spent the afternoon at Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm LLC, you’ve secured the perfect specimen, and you’ve managed to tie it to the roof of your SUV without it flying off on I-20. Now what?
- The Fresh Cut: If you don't put the tree in water within an hour of cutting it, the trunk will seal over with sap. It’s like a scab. Once that happens, the tree can't drink. If you’ve been driving for a while, saw off another half-inch from the bottom before you put it in the stand.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: A fresh tree can drink a gallon of water in the first 24 hours. If the reservoir runs dry, the "scab" forms, and your tree starts dying immediately. Check it twice a day.
- Keep it Cool: Don't put the tree next to a fireplace or a heating vent. You’re basically turning your Christmas centerpiece into a giant matchstick. It'll dry out in a week if it’s blasted by hot air.
The beauty of the trees at Berry's is their freshness. Because they haven't been sitting on a lot for three weeks, they have a much longer shelf life—provided you actually take care of them.
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Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the farm this year, here is the blueprint for a successful run.
First, measure your ceiling height. Then, measure it again. Take off at least 12 inches for the tree stand and the star. There is nothing more soul-crushing than bringing home a gorgeous tree and realizing you have to chainsaw the top off.
Second, bring a tarp or an old blanket for the inside of your car or the roof. Sap is incredibly difficult to get out of upholstery.
Third, go on a weekday if you can swing it. You’ll have the staff's full attention and you won't have to wait in line for the hayride.
Finally, check their social media or website before you leave. Because they are a seasonal business, hours can shift based on weather or tree inventory. If they've had a record-breaking opening weekend, they sometimes have to adjust their "choose and cut" availability to ensure the fields stay sustainable for next year.
The trip to Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm LLC is about more than just the wood and needles. It’s the dirt, the cold air, and the weirdly satisfying feeling of working for your holiday decor. It’s a bit of chaos, sure, but that’s usually where the best memories end up hiding anyway.