U-Cut Christmas Tree Farms in California
Did you know that if you venture a little further afield than the grocery store parking lot, you can fell your own Christmas tree? It's a fun family adventure: everyone gets to feel outdoorsy and strong, and a thermos full of hot chocolate is a delicious reward.
These u-cut Christmas tree farms all offer acres of trees to run through -- at some, you can wander around with a saw, whereas others prefer to have an employee do the cutting for you. While they specialize in cut-your-own trees, some farms also sell pre-cut trees (typically firs shipped in from Oregon or Washington), garlands, wreaths, and firewood. A few of these places also offer coffee, cookies and candy, bonfires and picnicking areas, so make a day of it, pack a lunch, and head out for a new (or old) holiday tradition.
A few tips before you go:
- Always call the farm to confirm their business hours, tree availability, and payment methods accepted.
- Ask the farm if you need to bring your own saw, or if they have employees to cut the tree down for you.
- Bring work gloves, a tarp to cover your car if needed, and some sturdy straps to secure your tree to the roof or trunk.
Los Angeles County
Nancy's Ranch - Santa Clarita
(661) 255-6943
25039 Magic Mountain Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91355-4675
Tree variety: Monterey pine
(Editor's note: As of 2015, Nancy's Ranch sells only pre-cut Christmas trees.)
Frosty's Forest Christmas Tree Farm - Santa Clarita
(661) 259-6450
25235 Orchard Village Rd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Tree variety: Monterey pine
Chamberlain Choose and Cut - Claremont
(909) 626-0243
3436 Padua Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress
Orange County
Peltzer Pines - Brea (larger location)
(714) 649-9251
3400 Rose Dr.
Brea, CA 92823
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress
Peltzer Pines - Silverado
(714) 649-9251
7851 Blackstar Canyon Rd.
Silverado, CA 92676
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress
Richfield Pines - Yorba Linda
(714) 253-7581
5392 Richfield Rd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Tree variety: Monterey pine
Riverside County
Wickerd Farm - Menifee
(951) 672-3020
26852 Scott Rd.
Menifee, CA 92584
Tree variety: Monterey pine
Sand Haven Pines - Perris
(951) 789-8450
19255 Wood Rd.
Perris, CA 92570
Tree variety: Monterey pine
San Bernardino County
Greenspot Farms - Mentone
(909) 794-7653
10133 Ward Way
Mentone, CA 92359
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, cedar, redwood
Ventura County
Christmas Tree Ranch Farms - Thousand Oaks (larger location)
(805) 501-0874 or (805) 527-6412
1586 Pederson Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, Aleppo pine, Italian stone pine, Coast redwood
Christmas Tree Ranch Farms - Simi Valley
(805) 501-0874 and (805) 527-6412
3800 Cochran St.
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, Italian stone pine, Sierra redwood, Coast redwood
Santa Paula Christmas Tree Farm - Santa Paula
(805) 933-9569
18540 E. Telegraph Rd.
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Tree variety: Monterey pine
Fresno County
Hillcrest Farm - Reedley
(559) 638-2762
6943 S Reed Ave.
Reedley, CA 93654
Tree variety: Monterey pine
San Luis Obispo County
Hidden Springs Tree Farm - Atascadero
(805) 466-2220
3202 Monterey Rd.
Atascadero, CA
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Scotch pine, blue spruce, white spruce, Douglas fir, white fir, redwood, incense cedar
Monterey County
Wiley's Christmas Tree Farm - Greenfield
(831) 674-5371
36770 Elm Ave.
Greenfield, CA 93927
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, redwood
San Diego County
Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm - Ramona
(858) 336-0663
18425 Highland Valley Rd.
Ramona, CA 92065
Tree varieties: Monterey pine, Leyland cypress
Family Christmas Tree Farm - El Cajon
(619) 448-5331
300 Pepper Dr.
El Cajon, CA 92021
Tree variety: Monterey pine
Once you've brought your tree home, keep it fresh and green through the New Year with our five simple tips!
Additional reporting by Katherine Spiers.