Christmas Tree Farms in San Diego County, California

Christmas is only three months away. Many people shop early and the decision on whether to buy a real tree or artificial one comes up every year for families. Many of us want to keep the real meaning of Christmas intact. We want our family to enjoy some of the same memories we enjoyed as children. I remember growing up in Julian and excitedly going with my father to pick out our Christmas tree. We had trees growing on our property, so we would walk out over the back part of the acreage to find our tree. I would watch my father cut it down, trim it and then set it up in the living room. I also always had a little tree in my room too along with a miniature manger and figurines. Then my dad, who came from Germany, would set up the manager and creche on our fireplace mantle. The pieces and background were created by hand. Those are some of the best memories I have. Many of us feel that buying a real tree keeps that spirit alive and the memories that come with it. There was nothing like the wonderful aroma of that pine tree when you walked in the front door. My mom baked wonderful pies during that time of year as well. The Christmas tree and the smell of baking pies was all a part of the heart of Christmas spirit.

This tradition of cutting your own Christmas tree may be unavailable to future generations. Here in this area, one tree farm burned down with the fires and the trend is going toward buying artificial trees. Many of the tree farm owners are getting older and there will no one to carry on the tradition. Land is expensive as well. I think it will be a sad day in my lifetime if there comes a time when I have no choice but to buy an artificial tree. Live Christmas trees are safe. You just have to make sure that you keep clean fresh water available in the tree stand. If you let it dry out, the tree sap seals the cut and it can't absorb the water.

The San Diego area has only 5 Christmas Tree Farms left where you can actually walk out on the farm with the family, pick out that special tree, cut it down, and take it home. That is an experience every kid should have at least once. It's a beautiful family activity and creates wonderful memories that will be cherished for years!

San Diego may not have a huge list of Christmas Tree Farms but the ones we do have are special in so many ways! For new families who have just moved here and for those of you who will for the first time go out and choose your own Christmas tree, here are the places to go:

El Cajon:

The Family Christmas Tree Farm is located at 300 Pepper Dr in El Cajon, CA.

The farm is owned by Richard Gass and his family who have been selling Christmas trees since 1970. Their phone number is 619-448-5331. They will open up the Christmas Tree Farm season starting on November 28^th and will be open from 9am to 9pm every day until Dec 23th.

The farm has 10 acres of Monterey Pines to 'choose and cut'. They will also have for sale, pre-harvested trees including the Noble, Douglas, Grand and Frazer Firs from small ones to 12 footers. Potted Living Trees will also be available as well for those of you who like to plant them in your yard afterwards. The Living Trees selection will include the Monterey Pine, Aleppo, Italian Stone, Eldarica Pine, Deodara Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Rosemary, and the Blue and Green Spruce.

The farm will provide many fun experiences when you drive there to buy your tree. There is a petting zoo, small-tractor hay ride, and straw bale play pen for the kids. They have tree wrapping, flocking, wreaths, garland and greens, water stands and everything you need to set the tree up. They even give you a free baby tree with your purchase. Just bring the family, they provide the saw and the fun of choosing and cutting down your own special tree.

Ramona:

The Pine Tree Acres Christmas Tree Farm is located at 620 Haverford Rd in Ramona, CA.

It's just 10 miles east of the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Travel down Hwy 78 toward Ramona and go 1 mile East on Haverford Rd. Their phone number is 760-788-5524 if you need more directions.

They will be open for the Christmas season from November 28^th until December 23^rd from 9am to 5 pm. There is a great selection of Monterey Pines to 'choose and cut'. They will also sell a large variety of pre-harvested trees including Noble Firs, Douglas Firs, Fraser, Grand, and Nordman Firs. If you are into the Living Trees, pick from the Monterey Pine, Aleppo, Italian Stone, Deodora Cedar or Rosemary (1 to 5 gal).

The trees will be kept fresh with shade and water so they will last. You don't even have to bring your own saw- it's provided. They provide tree shaking, netting, and tie down services.

The Pine Tree Acres farm have activities everyday such wreath making and Christmas crafts, hay maze, and games for the kids. On the weekend they have a Party Jump! Enjoy some hot or cold apple cider while you watch the kids have fun and even decorate some cookies. Call them to get a schedule of the activities.
Alpine:

The House Evergreen Forest Tree Farm is located at 3036 N. Victoria Drive in Alpine, CA. The farm is owned by Mr. Allan House and has been in business since 1976. He raises 2 acres of Monterey Pines on his gently sloped tree farm. His particular farm only offers 'choose and cut' Christmas Trees but the folks there come back year after year to his place.

The nice thing about The House Evergreen Forest Tree Farm is you can go there on November 28^th, choose your tree so you get the best one but not have to pick it up until closer to Christmas. You can choose a tree from 4' to 20' feet and receive extra branches as well to decorate with. The kids will enjoy watching the horses that roam freely on his tree farm. The farm will stay open from November 28^th until December 24^th from 8am until sunset 7 days a week. Get a free candy cane for the kids while you are there

Potrero,

Farmer Browns Christmas Tree Farm is located close to the small community of Potrero, CA. You can reach them at 619-478-9297 . Take the family down that beautiful country drive to their farm beginning the day after Thanksgiving, November 28th right up to the 21st of December.The drive will take you about an hour and is about 40 miles from San Diego down highway 94 East. People come from miles around including San Diego, Imperial Valley, and even from Yuma Arizona to choose and cut their Christmas trees every year.

The Brown's Farm is unique in having a gift shop with home crafted and Christmas gifts right on their property. They have a cozy patio to enjoy homemade goodies, hot chocolate, coffee, or cider. They have a hay stack for the kids to climb on and enjoy. It is right next to Potrero Park where their are picnic tables and play equipment for the kids as well. Make a day of it and the drive.

The Browns have one of the bigger tree farms with 20 acres of Award Winning Christmas trees. The farm will have over 4000 Christmas trees for you to choose from. They have trees from small ones to over 15 feet. Over the years, the Browns have won five Blue Ribbons for their beautiful Monterey Pines. They sell only the choose and cut your own trees. The Browns and their Christmas Tree Farm are known to hundreds of families from San Diego to Arizona. You can go early and reserve your tree to pick up closer to Christmas. They have tree stands available there too.

Fallbrook:

Fallbrook is the home of the Mission Pines Christmas Tree Farm.

Bill Warren and the family have been raising Christmas trees on their 3 acres since 1976. They are located at 4062 Mission Rd in Fallbrook. You can reach them at 760-728-5262 for more information.

They will start the Christmas season beginning the day after Thanksgiving until around the 18^th of December. They will be open from noon until dark on the weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on the weekends. Enjoy some hot apple cider while 'choosing and cutting' down your own Monterey Pine. You will also have the choice of picking a pre-harvested Noble or Fraser Fir.

The farm may be a bit smaller than the others but you cannot find fresher trees for Christmas in the area than at his Fallbrook Christmas Tree Farm. I am sure if you're located in the Escondido or Temecula areas that they will be your closest Christmas tree farm.

Take the family and enjoy the experience of cutting your own Christmas tree at any one of these

'Special' Christmas Tree Farms!