Oct 2026: The farm had not posted its 2026 season dates when this was written. Check its website or call before you go.
Barclay's Tree Farm At A Glance...
- Pick your own tree in the field and the staff will cut it, net it and tie it on your car, all free.
- The Fraser fir has two-tone needles, deep green on top and bluish-gray underneath, and is hard to grow in central New Jersey, so the farm only has a limited supply.
- The first tree on the farm went into the ground in 1968, and the same family still runs it.
- Local honey from partner beekeepers is sold along with the wreaths and tree stands.
- Todays Sunrise: 6:36 am, Sunset: 4:47 pm
- New Jersey Gateway Region Middlesex County
About Barclay's Tree Farm
Barclay's is a family-run Christmas tree farm where you walk the field, pick your tree and have it cut. The farm lists five varieties: Douglas fir, Blue spruce, Norway spruce, White fir (also called Concolor fir) and a limited supply of Fraser fir with no large sizes. Douglas fir is the farm's most fragrant tree, with a citrus-pine smell, and Blue spruce has the sturdiest branches for heavy ornaments.
Saws, rope and netting are free. If you would rather not saw, the staff will cut the tree for you, bring it out of the field to the front of the farm, square off or shape the trunk to fit your stand, net it and carry it to your vehicle. They tie it down with heavy-duty sisal twine, on the roof, in the trunk or in a truck bed. A tree too large for the netting funnels is hand wrapped. All of these services are free.
There is also a selection of pre-cut trees while supplies last, fresh decorated and plain wreaths, Cinco tree stands in three sizes for 8, 10 and 12 foot trees, Watering Elf funnels, tree disposal bags, and local honey from partner beekeepers.
The farm is on Orchardside Drive, about five minutes from NJ Turnpike exit 8A, and about an hour from New York City or Philadelphia.
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Farming:
- Christmas Tree (cut your own)
- Pick Your Own
Contact / Location
A Brief History
The Barclay family has farmed in and around Cranbury for generations. The original Orchardside Farm began more than 100 years ago as an apple orchard, and over the years added peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and pumpkins. As the demand for locally grown apples and peaches declined, the family entered the land into New Jersey's Farmland Preservation program.
Barry and Jerri Barclay planted more than 10,000 Christmas trees in 1968, and the first of those trees were sold in 1976. Their sons, Chris and Steve Barclay, run the farm today.
Tips and Tricks
The farm's site says the staff will cut, carry, net and tie the tree on for free. Ask for the trunk to be squared off so it fits your stand.
Bring cash or a checkbook. The farm's site lists only cash and check.
Admission & Guidelines
There is no admission charge listed. You pay for the tree you choose. The farm's site gives $85 for any choose-and-cut tree up to 9 feet and $150 for trees over 9 feet, with no year stated. The farm accepts cash and check.
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Nearby Places
- Barclay's Tree Farm (~0 miles)
- Plainsboro Preserve (~2 miles)
- Simonson Farms (~2 miles)
- Schalks Meadow Park (~3 miles)
- Von Thun's Country Farm Market (~3 miles)
- Van Nest Park (~4 miles)
- Halters Cycles (Old Location) (~4 miles)
- Pigeon Swamp State Park (~4 miles)
- Carnegie Lake (~5 miles)
- Woodlot Park (~5 miles)
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park (~5 miles)
- Animal Haven at Thompson Park (Middlesex County) (~5 miles)
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512