Douglas fir is the tree you’ll see most at Santa Cruz Mountains farms. It grows well in the coastal climate and fills out into the full, cone-shaped tree most people picture when they think of Christmas.
The needles are soft and dark green to blue-green, and they radiate all the way around each twig, so the tree looks full from every side. Crush a few needles and you’ll get a sweet, slightly citrusy smell that fills a room.
The branches are a little flexible, which makes Douglas fir easy to net and carry, but very heavy glass ornaments can make the tips droop. Hang heavier pieces closer to the trunk. With a full stand of water, a fresh-cut Douglas fir easily lasts through the holidays.
Farms that grow Douglas fir
- Crest Ranch
- Patchen Christmas Tree Farm, Old Town
- Patchen Christmas Tree Farm, Rancho
- Ward Ranch
- Four Winds Christmas Trees
- Mountain Charlie Christmas Tree Ranch
- Summit Christmas Tree Farm
- Black Road Christmas Tree Farms
- Peacock Tree Farm
- Lone Star Tree Farm
- Hester Creek Farm
- JS Tabacco Ranch
- Jim and Vicky’s Christmas Trees
- Skyline Ranch Tree Farm
- Norquist Tree Farm
Selection changes every season, so check with the farm before you go.