What Boy Scout tree lots are and how they operate
A Boy Scout tree lot is a temporary retail location where local Scout troops sell Christmas trees to raise money for their programs. The troop buys trees wholesale from a tree farm or distributor, sets up a lot in a parking lot or vacant space in their community, and sells them at retail prices from late November through December. The profit goes directly to that troop's activities — camping trips, merit badge programs, uniforms, and local service projects.
Each troop runs its own lot independently. There is no national Boy Scout tree-selling program; instead, individual troops in your area decide whether to sell trees that year, where to set up, which trees to stock, and what prices to charge. This means the experience varies significantly by location. One troop might sell 200 trees in a supermarket parking lot; another might run a smaller operation at a church or community center.
Trees at Scout lots are typically Douglas fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, or white pine — the same species sold at commercial tree farms and garden centers. The troop usually sources them from a regional wholesale distributor rather than growing their own. Trees are cut fresh or harvested within a few weeks of sale, and most lots deliver trees or hold them for pickup through December 24th.
Key Takeaways
- Boy Scout tree lots are run by individual troops, so prices, tree selection, and lot locations differ by community and year.
- Money from tree sales goes directly to the troop that sold them, funding camping, merit badges, uniforms, and community service.
- Trees are typically wholesale-sourced species like Douglas fir or noble fir, cut fresh or recently harvested.
- Most lots operate from late November through December 24th and offer delivery or hold trees for pickup.
- Prices are usually competitive with commercial tree farms, though some lots charge more because the profit supports youth programs.
How to find a Boy Scout tree lot near you
The easiest way to locate a Scout tree lot is to contact your local Boy Scout council directly. Each council covers a geographic region and maintains a list of troops selling trees that year. You can find your council's contact information and phone number on the national Boy Scouts of America website by entering your zip code. Call and ask which troops in your area are running tree lots and where they are located.
Many troops also advertise their lots on social media, community bulletin boards, and local newspapers starting in October. If you know a Scout family in your neighborhood, ask them directly — they often know which troops are selling and when the lot opens. Some lots post signs in their parking lot location weeks in advance, so driving around your area in late November may turn up locations you did not know about.
Timing matters: most lots open the day after Thanksgiving and operate through December 24th, but some open earlier or close sooner depending on inventory and demand. Calling ahead or checking the troop's social media page tells you the exact dates and hours for the lot you want to visit.
Pricing and what affects the cost
Boy Scout tree lot prices typically range from $40 to $80 for a 5- to 6-foot tree, though prices vary by region, tree species, and the individual troop. Trees in urban areas or high-cost-of-living regions tend to cost more. A noble fir or Douglas fir usually costs more than a Scotch pine at the same lot because they hold needles longer and are considered premium varieties.
Scout lot prices are generally comparable to commercial tree farms and garden centers in the same area, though some lots charge slightly more because buyers know the money supports youth programs. A few troops offer discounts for bulk purchases or for customers who buy early in the season. Ask the troop running the lot whether they have any discounts available.
Most lots charge an additional fee for delivery — typically $15 to $30 depending on distance — or offer free delivery within a certain radius. Some lots do not deliver and require you to pick up the tree yourself. Confirm the delivery policy and any extra costs before you buy.
Tree quality and freshness at Scout lots
Tree quality at Scout lots depends on the troop's supplier and how carefully they store and water the trees. Reputable troops buy from established wholesale distributors who harvest trees within a few weeks of sale, ensuring freshness comparable to commercial lots. Trees are usually stored in a shaded area and watered daily to keep needles from drying out.
Before you buy, inspect the tree the same way you would at any lot: gently run your hand along a branch — needles should not fall off easily. Bend a branch; it should flex without snapping. Check the trunk for damage or large bare patches. A fresh tree will have a strong pine smell and needles that are still slightly tacky to the touch.
If a tree dries out quickly after you bring it home, the problem is usually storage or watering at the lot, not the tree's original quality. Ask the troop how long the trees have been at the lot and how often they water them. Lots that water trees multiple times a day and keep them in shade typically have fresher inventory than lots that water once daily or leave trees in direct sun.
Delivery, setup, and tree stand requirements
Most Boy Scout tree lots offer delivery for an additional fee, usually $15 to $30 depending on how far your home is from the lot. The troop will deliver the tree to your home and often set it up in your stand, though policies vary. Some lots deliver only within a certain radius — ask before you buy if distance is a concern.
If you pick up the tree yourself, the troop will usually cut the bottom inch or two off the trunk to open the pores and help the tree absorb water. They may also wrap the tree in netting to make it easier to transport. You will need a tree stand at home; Scout lots do not typically sell stands, but you can buy one at any garden center or hardware store for $20 to $50.
Once your tree is home, cut another quarter-inch off the bottom of the trunk and place it in a stand filled with water. A tree drinks about a quart of water per day, so check the water level daily and refill as needed. Keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces and heating vents, which dry needles faster.
Supporting your local Scout troop through a tree purchase
When you buy a tree from a Boy Scout lot, the profit goes directly to that troop's budget. A troop selling 100 trees at an average profit of $15 to $20 per tree raises $1,500 to $2,000 for the year. That money funds camping trips, merit badge materials, uniforms for new Scouts, and community service projects like trail maintenance or food drives.
Some troops use tree sales as their primary fundraiser; others combine it with other activities like pancake breakfasts or car washes. If you want to know exactly how the troop uses the money, ask the Scoutmaster or an adult volunteer at the lot. Many troops post updates on their website or social media showing how tree sale proceeds were spent.
Buying from a Scout lot instead of a commercial tree farm is a way to support youth programs in your community while getting a fresh tree. The price is usually the same or very close, so the choice often comes down to convenience and whether you want to support local Scouts.
Comparing Scout lots to other tree-buying options
| Source | Typical Price Range | Tree Selection | Delivery Available | When to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boy Scout Lot | $40–$80 | Usually 3–4 species, limited sizes | Yes, for a fee | Late November–December 24 |
| Commercial Tree Farm | $40–$100 | Wide variety, all sizes | Yes, sometimes free | November–December |
| Garden Center or Hardware Store | $50–$120 | Limited selection, premium pricing | Rarely | November–December |
| Cut Your Own Farm | $30–$60 plus entry fee | Wide variety, you choose | No | November–December |
Scout lots occupy a middle ground: prices are competitive with commercial tree farms, selection is smaller, and the profit supports local youth. If you want the widest selection and do not care where the money goes, a commercial tree farm may offer more choices. If you want the lowest price and do not mind the work, a cut-your-own farm is usually cheaper. If convenience and supporting Scouts matter to you, a Scout lot is a straightforward option.
The main advantage of a Scout lot is knowing that your purchase directly funds a youth organization in your community. The main disadvantage is less variety in tree species and sizes compared to larger commercial operations. Most people find the trade-off worthwhile, especially if they have a Scout lot nearby and the price is comparable to other local options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Boy Scout troops sell Christmas trees?
No. Each troop decides independently whether to run a tree lot that year. Some troops sell trees every year; others do it occasionally or not at all. Contact your local Boy Scout council to find out which troops in your area are selling trees this season.
Can I reserve a tree before the lot opens?
Some troops take pre-orders or hold trees for customers who call ahead, but policies vary. Call the troop running the lot and ask whether they accept reservations. Early reservations sometimes come with a small discount.
What happens to unsold trees at the end of the season?
Most lots close on December 24th and sell remaining inventory at a discount in the final days. Trees that do not sell are sometimes donated to community organizations, composted, or chipped for mulch. Ask the troop what they do with leftover trees if you are interested in a last-minute deal.
Are Scout lot trees fresher than trees from a garden center?
Freshness depends on the individual lot's storage and watering practices, not whether it is run by Scouts. A well-maintained Scout lot with daily watering will have fresher trees than a neglected garden center lot, and vice versa. Inspect any tree before you buy, regardless of source.
Can I buy a tree from a Scout lot if I am not a Scout or Scout family?
Yes. Scout tree lots are open to the public. You do not need to be a Scout, a Scout parent, or a troop member to buy a tree. The troop welcomes all customers.