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7 farms grow this
A California native with flat fan-like foliage and the warm spicy smell of a pencil shaving.
Incense cedar grows through the Sierra foothills and shows up on Northern California farms as a low-cost alternative to fir. The foliage forms flat fans rather than needles, and the scent is unmistakable — it is the wood pencils are made from.
The narrow columnar shape suits tight corners and hallways. Branches are moderate in strength and the flat sprays don't give much depth, so it takes fewer ornaments than a fir of the same height.
Best for: Narrow spaces, tight budgets, and anyone who wants a scent that isn't standard pine.
Farms listing incense cedar among the species they grow. Call ahead, since stock varies year to year.
Camino, CA · El Dorado County
An Apple Hill farm off Mace Road with easy walking trails and picnic tables, selling cider and apple pies alongside the trees. Dogs welcome on leash.
(530) 644-2475Camino, CA · El Dorado County
Thirteen acres of wooded planting run by the Kobervig family, with a pond, trails and a picnic area. Cell reception is patchy, so bring cash.
(530) 417-6096Camino, CA · El Dorado County
Home of Trees for Troops, run by the Hyder family. There is a mine and a set of Indian grinding rocks on the property, so the visit is as much an outing as a tree purchase. Reservations were required for opening weekend last season.
(530) 622-4087Camino, CA · El Dorado County
An Apple Hill ranch that keeps the apple side going through the tree season, with juice, crafts, a nature trail and South Lake Brewing beers. Free hot chocolate with a tree.
(530) 644-3389Placerville, CA · El Dorado County
A small appointment-only farm near Placerville selling wreaths, cider, crafts and preserves alongside the trees.
(530) 622-7538Pollock Pines, CA · El Dorado County
The most developed visit in the county: an on-site bake shop with pies and cider donuts, hot food, a bonfire with s'mores, and Santa on set dates. Tree-cutting reservations are required through their website.
(530) 644-2194Pollock Pines, CA · El Dorado County
The higher-elevation Roberts farm, about ten miles east of Placerville off Pony Express Trail.
(530) 644-2831Other species: Douglas Fir White Fir Silver Tip Fraser Fir Noble Fir Nordmann Fir Monterey Pine Blue Spruce Leyland Cypress Grand Fir Swift Silver Sequoia Scotch Pine Canaan Fir White Pine