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Penland S L Christmas Tree Farm: Where to Cut Your Own Tree Near Asheboro

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Penland S L Christmas Tree Farm Offers

Penland S L Christmas Tree Farm is a choose-and-cut operation in Randolph County, about 15 minutes south of Asheboro. You walk the rows, pick the tree you want, and cut it yourself with a handsaw they provide. The farm grows several varieties — mostly Fraser fir and white pine — and sells trees ranging from small tabletop sizes to full-height specimens. They also bundle and load your tree into your vehicle at no extra charge.

The farm operates seasonally, opening in late November and staying open through December. Hours vary by day and weather, so calling ahead before you go prevents a wasted trip. They accept cash and card payments at a small stand near the parking area. The setting is rural and quiet, with open fields and tree rows that give you room to walk and compare options without feeling rushed.

Key Takeaways

  • Penland S L is a choose-and-cut farm where you select and cut your own tree, with saws provided by the farm.
  • The farm grows Fraser fir and white pine in a range of sizes, from small decorative trees to full-height options.
  • You should call ahead to confirm hours and current availability, since seasonal operations change week to week.
  • The farm bundles and loads your tree for you, so you do not need special equipment beyond a vehicle with space.

How to Find and Contact Penland S L

The farm is located in Randolph County south of Asheboro, in the rural area between Asheboro and Greensboro. If you are coming from Asheboro, take US 220 South and follow local roads into the farm area. GPS coordinates and detailed directions are available by phone, which is the fastest way to confirm the exact address and current operating hours.

Call the farm directly to ask about hours for the day you plan to visit, whether specific tree sizes are in stock, and whether they have any special events or promotions running. They can also tell you how busy they expect to be, which helps if you prefer a quieter experience or want to avoid crowds during peak weekend days.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Wear warm, sturdy clothing and closed-toe shoes — you will be walking through fields and handling a saw, and the ground can be muddy or uneven depending on recent weather. Bring work gloves if you have them; the farm provides saws, but gloves make the cutting and carrying easier. A wagon or cart is helpful if you have one, though not required, since the farm handles the final loading.

Bring a valid payment method — cash or card both work. If you have a vehicle with a roof rack or tree carrier, bring it ready to use; if not, the farm can help secure your tree to a standard roof or in the back of a truck or SUV. Arrive early in the day if possible, especially on weekends, since popular sizes sell out as the season progresses.

Best Times to Visit

The farm opens in late November, typically around Thanksgiving week, and operates through December 24th or until trees run out. Early December is usually less crowded than mid-December, when holiday shopping peaks. Weekday visits are quieter than Saturdays and Sundays, so if your schedule allows, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning offers a more relaxed experience.

Weather affects both the farm's operating hours and your comfort while cutting. Mild, dry days are ideal; heavy rain can make the fields muddy and difficult to walk, and the farm may close or reduce hours in severe weather. Call before you go during rainy periods to confirm they are open.

Choosing and Cutting Your Tree

Walk the rows and look for a tree with a shape you like, full branches, and good color. Fraser fir holds needles longer after cutting and has a classic Christmas tree appearance; white pine is softer to touch and has a lighter, more natural look. Size varies, so measure your space at home beforehand if you want a specific height — a tree that looks small in an open field can feel large in a living room.

Once you have chosen, the farm provides a handsaw and shows you how to cut at the base. The cut takes a few minutes and requires steady, even strokes rather than force. After cutting, the farm wraps the tree in netting, which compresses it for transport and protects your vehicle. They load it for you, so you do not have to wrestle it yourself.

Nearby Attractions and Dining

Asheboro, 15 minutes north, is home to the North Carolina Zoo, one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. If you are making a day of it, you can visit the zoo in the morning or afternoon and stop at the tree farm on the way back. The zoo has restaurants and a gift shop on-site.

Downtown Asheboro has several local restaurants, coffee shops, and small businesses within walking distance of each other. After cutting your tree, you can warm up with hot cider or coffee at one of the cafes, or grab lunch before heading home. The area is also close to Seagrove, a pottery hub about 30 minutes south, if you want to combine tree shopping with browsing local clay studios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cut the tree myself, or can the farm do it for me?

Penland S L is a choose-and-cut farm, meaning you cut the tree yourself. The farm provides the saw and shows you how if you have not done it before. If cutting is not something you want to do, ask when you call whether they have pre-cut trees available or can recommend a nearby farm that sells already-cut trees.

What if I do not have a way to transport a large tree?

The farm bundles and secures your tree for transport, so it fits on most vehicles. If you have a small car or truck, choose a smaller tree or ask the farm staff to recommend a size that will fit your vehicle. They can also advise on roof racks or carriers if you want to invest in one for future years.

Can I bring my kids to cut the tree?

Yes. Children can help select and cut the tree, though an adult should handle the saw. It is a hands-on activity that many families enjoy as a holiday tradition. Dress kids warmly and bring gloves, since they will be outside in a field for 30 minutes to an hour.

What if the farm is closed when I want to visit?

Call ahead to confirm hours before you drive out. If the farm is closed or out of trees, ask for recommendations for other choose-and-cut farms in the Randolph County or Guilford County area. Many farms in the Piedmont region operate on similar schedules, so you have other options nearby.