When to come:

The Christmas tree season begins the week before Thanksgiving (for some farms-check times) and ends on Christmas eve, though some farms close early due to a limited supply of mature trees.  If you can, come on a weekday--you'll avoid the crowds.  Remember that December days are short, so you should plan to cut your tree by 4:30 p.m. 

All of our Christmas tree farms furnish saws and most supply the netting and twine you'll need to bring your tree home.  Some farms also provide helpers to assist in cutting and carrying your tree.  Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and gloves
 

See our page on Types of Trees to find the species that best suits your needs.  Make sure that the tree you cut will fit in your home--many people bring home trees that are too large since  trees appear deceptively small when they're outdoors. 

Please don't cut the tree too close to the ground.  If you leave at least two rows of green branches on the stump, a new tree will sprout up from it.
 

Most of our customers tie their trees onto roof racks, or put their trees in the back of their pick-up trucks.  Make sure that you get a receipt--these serve as Christmas tree transportation permits in El Dorado County. 

It's a good idea to hose off your tree to remove foreign materials and insects. If possible, use soapy water first and then rinse with fresh water. After you've cleaned your tree and shaken it dry, make a fresh cut at the butt of the tree of at least a half an inch and put it in a stand filled with water.  Set up your tree away from heat sources, and check the stand daily to make sure it stays filled with water.