Crane
Hill Tree Farm is primarily a "Choose and Cut" (or we will cut for
you) Christmas Tree Farm at 233 Johnson Hill Road in Washington, Massachusetts
in the beautiful Berkshires. It is owned and operated by the Spencer family.
We
planted our first trees in 1989, opened for business in 1997, and now have
approximately 4500 trees from first year transplants up through a few at 10
feet or more. The primary species is the traditional New England Christmas
tree, the Balsam fir. We also have some of our own freshly precut trees. (More
information below)
Supply for the 2026 Christmas season:
Crane Hill
Tree Farm has enjoyed considerable success in its mission to add the joy of a
real tree to the Christmas experience for as many families as possible. After a
few years in which sales outpaced the ability of the trees to keep up, we have
now substantially recovered. We have a reasonable supply of cut-your-own Balsams
in the 5 to 8 foot size range and a few up to 9 ½ or
10 feet. We also have trees in a nearby field that we will cut every weekend to
be sold as precut trees. Some of those are as much as 11 feet tall. More info here.
In the past few years, just as other farmers throughout the northeast, we have had to deal with some extreme weather, too wet followed by too dry, etc. We have been planting vigorously to replace the trees that succumbed to the environmental conditions; but it will be quite a while before those replacements are ready for harvest.
We have also
been planting in a separate nearby field for 10 years now. The first plantings
in that field are now 8-11 feet tall and looking beautiful. (picture below) We be
harvesting some of those daily when we are open in 2026. We will then transport
them to the main farm to be sold as freshly precut trees. They will be priced
according to size and quality. The precut trees will be displayed prominently
near the shop and barn.
In recent
years our popularity has increased to the point where we have been forced to
close after the first two or, at most, three weekends in order to preserve the
supply for future years. The supply this year might allow opening for three
weekends. But, if planning to come to Crane Hill Tree farm after December 6,
you might want to call (413) 623-5865 or email craneehilltreefarm@verizon.net ahead.
PICTURES:
Click on any of the following links to view some of our operation.
We have a
good supply of beautiful 8-, 9-, and 10-foot balsams among our trees for
precutting. We even have a couple of 11-foot trees.
Have a
very large room to fill?
How about
this white pine – the last one we have. It measures 13 feet in height and 8 ½
feet across the base.
DIRECTIONS:
We
are just off Route 8 at 233 Johnson Hill Road in Washington. (See links to maps
below.)
From
the South:
We are about 20
minutes from Lee or Chester/Huntington.
From
Rte 20 take Rte. 8 North to the village of North
Becket. At the Olde Village Market take a right onto High Street. Follow High
Street up the hill approximately 1 mile. You are now in Washington. Take a left
onto Johnson Hill Road. Crane Hill Tree Farm is on the right (approximately 3/4
mi.).
From
the North:
We are only 20
minutes from Pittsfield or Dalton.
Take
Rte. 8 South through Hinsdale and into Washington. Just past the Washington
Town Park take a left onto Lower Valley Road. Lower Valley Rd. will pass under
the railroad tracks, then will turn hard to the right, and after a little more
than 1 mile will lead to a fork in the road. At that point bear left onto
Johnson Hill Rd. Crane Hill Tree Farm is on the left at the crest of the hill
(approximately 1/3 mi.). If you find yourself on a dirt road, you have taken a
wrong turn.
MAPS :
Click Here for a Detailed Map of the Area Near the Farm
Baling:
We now
have a cone and materials for wrapping/netting trees. That should make it
easier to load and unload your tree, especially if you don’t have a pickup
truck. It also makes it easier to get your tree into the house. NETTING OF
TREES IS A FREE SERVICE.
Pricing:
This year all
cut-your-own trees will still be one price, $55 cash, check, or credit/debit.
We try to keep our trees affordable for all. But inflation, especially the
prices of fuel and fertilizer, has hit farms harder than many other businesses.
Hours of Operation:
We are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting the day after Thanksgiving. Hours are from 9:00 AM to sunset. Although there is no guarantee, we are often also able to accommodate customers on other days by appointment. Call or email in advance if you would like to come during the week.
MAIL:
233 Johnson Hill Road
Washington, MA 01223
USA
E-MAIL: cranehilltreefarm@verizon.net
PHONE: (413) 623–5865
Member Massachusetts
Christmas Tree Association, Registered Tree Farm
LINKS TO OTHER
INTERESTING SIGHTS
Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association