Leyland Cypress Christmas Trees

Scentless and non-allergenic, and the reason a lot of Southern families can have a real tree at all.

Leyland cypress is a sterile hybrid that produces no pollen and almost no scent, making it the standard choice for people whose allergies rule out firs and pines. The foliage is soft and feathery rather than needled, with a deep green colour that photographs well.

The branches are the weakest of any tree here. Heavy ornaments will bend them visibly, so stick to lightweight decorations and ribbon. It also grows well in heat, which is why it turns up across the South and in Southern California.

Best for: Allergy sufferers, and anyone who decorates with ribbon and light ornaments.

Where to find leyland cypress

Farms listing leyland cypress among the species they grow. Call ahead, since stock varies year to year.

Claremont, CA · Los Angeles County

Chamberlain Choose and Cut

A family-run farm in Claremont with trees up to eleven feet. Equipment provided, plus free candy canes and cider.

Cut Your OwnCutting equipment providedFree candy canes

Phone not listed

Monterey Pine, Leyland Cypress Full details →

Ramona, CA · San Diego County

Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm

Shares the property with Principe di Tricase Winery. The family's Italian wishing tree tradition has guests write wishes onto the branches. Staff cut, shake, net and drill the trunk for your stand at no extra cost.

Cut Your OwnWinery on siteItalian wishing tree

Phone not listed

Monterey Pine, Leyland Cypress Full details →

San Juan Capistrano, CA · Orange County

Farmakis Farms

Just off the 5 between Avery and Junipero Serra. Choose-and-cut Leyland Cypress and Monterey Pine, with pre-cut firs trucked in from Oregon.

Cut Your OwnPre-Cut Trees

Phone not listed

Leyland Cypress, Monterey Pine Full details →

Silverado, CA · Orange County

Peltzer Pines

Over thirty acres of naturally grown trees in Blackstar Canyon. Cut it yourself or have staff do it. Price depends on size, height and quality.

Cut Your OwnYou Choose, They Cut

Phone not listed

Monterey Pine, Leyland Cypress Full details →

Simi Valley, CA · Ventura County

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms — Simi Valley

Ten species between the choose-and-cut field and the pre-cut selection. Weekends only. School tours run year-round by appointment for preschool and early elementary grades.

Cut Your OwnPre-Cut TreesBow sawsWheelbarrows

Phone not listed

Monterey Pine, Aleppo Pine Full details →

Somis, CA · Ventura County

Hagle Tree Farm

About an hour from Los Angeles. The choose-and-cut selection sells out quickly, so early in the season is better. Petting zoo and pony rides on designated weekends.

Cut Your OwnSaws providedWheelbarrows

Phone not listed

Monterey Pine, Leyland Cypress Full details →

Thousand Oaks, CA · Ventura County

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms — Thousand Oaks

Open seven days a week, unlike the Simi Valley site. A jeep ride carries you over a steep hill to the far end of the farm.

Cut Your OwnPre-Cut TreesJeep ridesBow saws

Phone not listed

Monterey Pine, Aleppo Pine Full details →

Other species: Douglas Fir White Fir Silver Tip Fraser Fir Noble Fir Nordmann Fir Monterey Pine Blue Spruce Incense Cedar Grand Fir Swift Silver Sequoia Scotch Pine Canaan Fir White Pine