Skip to main content

Style Magazine

Growing Joy: Festive Tree Farms

There’s something special about picking out and cutting down a fresh Christmas tree. Luckily, our area has some great family-owned farms (many u-cut!) where the magic of the season is just a short drive away. Be sure to arrive early, as trees sell out quickly!

Bambi’s Christmas Trees at Zittel Farms
6781 Oak Avenue, Folsom, 916-989-2633, zittelfarms.com
Zittel Farms is the last working family farm in Folsom and welcomes Bambi’s Christmas Trees to their farm every December. Although you won’t be able to chop down your tree, you’ll be among a selection of 2,000-plus evergreens, and even have the option of getting it flocked and delivered.

Bambi’s Christmas Trees at Zittel Farms

 


Snowy Peaks Tree Farm
30100 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, 530-367-3766, snowypeaksfarm.net
Snowy Peaks Tree Farm was thankfully saved from the Mosquito Fire and is ready to host you and your family. In addition to trees, they also offer a tree swing, wagon rides, hot chocolate, fresh wreaths, and more.

Indian Rock Tree Farm
3800 North Canyon Road, Camino, 530-622-4087, indianrocktreefarm.com
Indian Rock Tree Farm is host to 13 acres full of lush trees ready for picking. Plus, they also have a Trees for Troops program where you can help by sending trees to those serving overseas.

Indian Rock Tree Farm

 


Apple Country Christmas Trees
2721 Mace Road, Camino, 530-644-2475, applecountrychristmastrees.com
Take in views of the Sierra at Apple Country Christmas Trees located in picturesque Apple Hill. You’ll be greeted with freshly prepared spiced cider to accompany you on your hunt for the perfect tree.

Little Bear Tree Farm
960 Meadow Road, Alta, 530-389-8989, littlebeartreefarm.com
Up the hill in Alta, you’ll find Little Bear Tree Farm where they also offer a gift shop (in the original restored barn) with holiday décor galore, hot chocolate, and even Scottish Highland cows and mini donkeys. This 50-acre farm sits along Little Bear Creek, making it the perfect spot for a family photo.

Little Bear Tree Farm

 


Roberts Christmas Tree Farm
5645 Gilmore Road, Pollock Pines; 2561 Mace Road, Camino, 530-644-2831, facebook.com/robertschristmastreefarms
Roberts Christmas Tree Farm has two locations, both filled with plenty of trees to choose and cut. This family-run business has been in El Dorado County for over 60 years and continues to offer friendly service through Christmas Eve.

The Flower Farm
4150 Auburn Folsom Road, Loomis, 916-652-5650, flowerfarminn.com
Although you won’t be able to chop down your own tree at The Flower Farm, they offer plenty of cut trees to choose from, as well as festive fare, warm drinks, gifts, games, and photo ops.

Frosty Fir Tree Farm
2240 Frosty Fir Drive, Placerville, 530-622-3941, facebook.com/frostyfirtreefarm
Explore multiple tree options at Frosty Fir, sited about 10 minutes from Downtown Placerville. This family-owned farm is known for providing quality trees and plenty of smiles (don’t forget to take a photo with their fun cut-out!).

Cynthia’s Christmas Tree Farm
4940 Star Lane, Georgetown, 530-333-0608, facebook.com/cynthiastrees
This self-proclaimed “little tree farm,” is still mighty—since they have plenty of beautiful trees to choose from. Cynthia’s also has wreaths, fresh cookies, and cider.

Carson Ridge Evergreens
3041 Carson Road, Placerville, 530-644-1490, carsonridgeevergreens.net
Carson Ridge Evergreens is owned and operated by a family that was one of the first choose-and-cut tree farms in El Dorado County over 55 years ago. They have a wide variety of tree heights with employees prepared and eager to assist with all your tree needs. 

Carson Ridge Evergreens

 


Know Your Trees

Stuck on which tree you want to bring into your home for the holidays? Read the brief below for a description of trees commonly offered. Who knows…maybe you’ll even branch out this year into something new.

Douglas Fir
Possibly the most recognizable Christmas tree, the Douglas Fir has been the most popular species since the ’20s. They’re typically very full and have excellent symmetry.

Noble Fir
Another popular option is the Noble Fir, which has long, deep bluish-green needles and is dense and very symmetrical.

Nordmann Fir
With its soft needles and resistance to shed, the Nordmann Fir is perfect for hanging ornaments. This is also a great option for those sensitive to smell as this tree lacks fragrance.

Silvertip
The Silvertip is a unique tree, as the branches are spread out, offering the perfect space to display ornaments. They are bluish green in color; the silver refers to its silvery new growth.

White Fir
Also known as Concolor Fir, the White Fir makes an attractive Christmas tree for its pyramid shape and needle retention. Plus, when the needles are crushed, they release a delicious citrus scent.


by Emily Peter-Corey


Alpine Balsam Fir

 

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

Let's face it: Chopping down a real tree isn't in the cards for every family. Rainy days, crying kiddos, or lack of time (and energy!) may all contribute to wanting an artificial tree. Luckily, these days, options abound for faux trees that look like the real deal. Which one made our editor's list this year? The rustic Alpine Balsam Fir—a slim, sparse evergreen (allowing ample space for your favorite ornaments) that's hand-shaped by expert designers and "pre-fluffed" with sturdy memory wire to help retain its ideal form (and for reduced setup time!). An organic profile and visible faux trunk give the tree a more natural appearance while exclusive, "true needle" foliage mimics the color and texture of real branches. Available in six heights (4.5'-12') with clear LED fairy lights. Starts at $349; available at balsamhill.com/p/alpine-balsam-fir.

by Megan Wiskus


Little Bear photo by Melinda Minyard, @mel-min. Carson Ridge Evergreens photo by Jack Armstrong, terraformcreative.media. Sidebar truck photo Мария - stock.adobe.com. Bambi's Christmas Trees photo by @lifewith_reg. Indian Rock Tree Farm photo courtesy of Indian Rock Tree Farm.