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11 farms grow this
The dominant Christmas tree across Europe, increasingly grown in California, and the one to choose if someone in the house reacts to pine scent.
Nordmann fir has glossy dark needles that are soft rather than sharp, holds them for well over a month, and gives off almost no smell. That last point is the selling point for households where the resin scent triggers headaches or allergies, and the drawback for everyone else.
It is a slow grower, which is part of why it costs more. The needles are notably soft to the touch, making it a sensible choice with small children or a curious cat.
Best for: Scent-sensitive households, families with young children, and long display periods.
Farms listing nordmann fir among the species they grow. Call ahead, since stock varies year to year.
Camino, 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
Run by the Heagy family right on Highway 50 just past Camino, so it is the easiest El Dorado farm to reach without navigating back roads. Flocking and colouring available.
(530) 647-1568Camino, CA · El Dorado County
Weekend train rides for the kids, weather permitting, plus free packaging and a picnic area on North Canyon Road.
(530) 621-2053Camino, 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) 644-3389Camino, CA · El Dorado County
Fourteen acres of gentle terrain a quarter mile off the Highway 50 exit, with trees grown from seedlings rather than stump culture. You choose and they cut.
(530) 401-4019Placerville, CA · El Dorado County
A long-running Apple Hill farm with a paved walkway, making it one of the easier fields to navigate with small children or a stroller.
(530) 644-1490San Juan Capistrano, CA · Orange County
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.
Phone not listedSanta Clarita, CA · Los Angeles County
The Roatcap family has been in the Christmas tree business for over forty-five years, growing local trees to choose and cut and importing firs from the Pacific Northwest. Trees guaranteed fresh through Christmas.
Phone not listedSimi Valley, CA · Ventura County
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.
Phone not listedThousand Oaks, CA · Ventura County
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.
Phone not listedOther species: Douglas Fir White Fir Silver Tip Fraser Fir Noble Fir Monterey Pine Blue Spruce Incense Cedar Leyland Cypress Grand Fir Swift Silver Sequoia Scotch Pine Canaan Fir White Pine