Tree Cutting Tips: Here are some things to do and consider before you head out:

1. Call before you go. Hours listed below are subject to change based on weather and tree availability. Most farms are open by Thanksgiving weekend, though some open earlier. Also, some locations do not accept credit cards. Some locations, you can not bring the tree home the day you pick it out. While others, you can pick out your tree ahead of time and have it ready when you get there. Know before you go.

2. Familiarize yourself with your options. The tree varieties grown in and/or native to Southern California differ from the pre-cut trees brought in from Oregon. Look at photos of the trees on the websites below to see what is available here.

3. What to bring: Work gloves and tarps (for the car) are recommended and usually not provided. Ask if you need to bring your own saw (chainsaws are typically not allowed). Some locations welcome dogs, and others do not.

4. Make a day of it! Some of the farms have added entertainment; others just have cool stuff to see or do on the way home.

Photo courtesy of Christmas Ranch Tree Farms

Ventura County

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms - Thousand Oaks 

Hours: Sat-Sun 9am-7pm; Mon-Fri 2pm-7pm
805.501-2729
Tree varieties: Monterey Pines, Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress
Cash, check, or credit cards accepted

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms - Simi Valley 

Hours: Sat-Sun 9am-5pm;
805.624-0031
Tree varieties: Monterey Pines, Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress
Cash, check, or credit cards accepted

Fillmore & Western Railway Co’s Christmas Tree Train

This isn't really a cut-your-own scenario, but it's still a cut above your average tree lot: families can ride the holiday train to a spot in Santa Paula where they pick out their own (pre-cut) trees, have them netted, and return with them on the train to unload and drive home. While there is no cutting involved, taking a train to buy a Xmas tree invokes a similar sense of occasion. Tickets for the train cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Orange County

Peltzer Pines - two locations

1. Brea Tree Farm

714.649.9251 

2. Silverado Tree Farm

714.649.9251

Both Peltzer Pines Locations:
Open: Sat-Sun, 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri 11:30am-5pm
Trees varieties: Monterey Pine, Leylandia
Tree prices vary. See website for details. 
Cash and checks only.

Christmas trees are never a drag. Photo by CJ Sorg via flickr

Riverside County

The Wickerd Farm - Menifee

951.672.3020 or 909.286.8289
Sun-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm
Tree variety: Monterey Pine
Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted

Rye Farms - Nuevo

951.232.4149
Sat-Sun 9am-7pm, Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Tree variety: Noble Fir
At this location, they have Noble trees. Larger trees at their second location in Bloomington (see below).

San Bernardino County

Rye Farms - Bloomington

909.877.6294
Sat-Sun 8am-5pm, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Tree variety: Monterey, Aleppo, Noble Fir
At this location, they have giant trees, up to 15 feet tall.

Greenspot Farms - Mentone

909.794.7653
Daily 9am-6pm
Tree variety: Cedar, Monterey Pine, Noble, Douglas Fir, Redwood
Cash or check only

Los Angeles County

 Chamberlain Choose and Cut Christmas Trees - Claremont

909.626.0243
Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm
Tree variety: Noble Fir, Sequoia Redwood
 

Originally published December 4, 2011, updated annually