Now that the Yuletide spirit has arrived, most of you will be bringing out Christmas paraphernalia and looking forward to--or dreading--the yearly hunt for a tree.
The seasonal ritual of shopping the myriad tree lots that have sprouted overnight all over the county's parking lots. Every shade of green seems to be represented, as well as some colors not found in nature.
Not adventuresome enough? Well, how about chopping down your own tree? You can do just that at some of the tree farms listed below, all of which grow Monterey pines. Some also provide services such as home delivery and \o7 all\f7 of them will fireproof the tree for a fee and sell water stands to keep it fresh.
ANAHEIM
Santa's Forest Christmas Tree Farm
1620 S. Anaheim Blvd.
(714) 776-8213
Hours: weekdays noon to 5 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The trees at this 10-acre farm will range from 3 to 13 feet and sell for about $3.75 to $4.75 a foot--anything taller than 9 feet will sell for $49. Fireproofing is available for $2.50 per foot. Trees can also be compressed and netted for $2.50. Customers can reserve their trees. A number of container trees will also be sold--call farm for prices. Garlands, door sprays and tree saver will be available. Each customer will also receive a free baby tree that can be planted.
The farm will also have a number of attractions and free goodies for children, including a petting zoo, hayrides, candy cane and Christmas coloring books. Also, a photo backdrop has been set up for those with itchy shutter-fingers.
BUENA PARK
Western Pines Christmas Trees
7730 Western Ave.
(714) 739-4492
Hours: weekdays 10 a.m. to dusk, weekends 8 a.m. to dusk.
The trees at the 2 1/2-acre farm will range from 6 to 12 feet. Prices will vary from $15 to $100, depending on size and quality. Trees can be reserved by customers but can be cut down only by staff members. Also, a number of container trees will be available, ranging in height from 4 to 7 feet and generally selling for $5 a foot. Fireproofing is $2.50 per foot.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Lyon Christmas Tree Farms
8625 Slater Ave.
(714) 891-7639
Hours: weekdays noon to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Customers at the approximately 10-acre site will be able to choose from about 2,000 Monterey Pines ranging in height from 5 to 12 feet. Trees will generally sell for $31.95, but some trees will be sold as $21.95 red-tag specials. Potted trees, which can be either planted or reused for subsequent Christmases, will also be available. These trees range from 3 to 7 feet and will sell for $7.95 to $79.95. Fireproofing is $5 per foot. Staff members will drill a hole in the base of the tree to accommodate the water stand.
GARDEN GROVE
Peltzer Pines Tree Farm
7596 Chapman Ave.
(714) 897-6161
Hours: weekdays 11:30 a.m. to dusk and weekends 9 a.m. to dusk.
Trees at 9-acre site are individually priced, but prices for the 6- to 11-footers will generally fall somewhere between $5.50 to $7 a foot. Customers can reserve trees for later pickup. Home delivery is also available on a first-come-first-served basis--minimum charge is $25, with rates increasing according to distance. All trees are staff-cut only. Fireproofing is available for $2 per foot.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Lyon Christmas Tree Farms
7462 McFadden Ave.
(714) 891-7639
Hours: weekdays noon to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The farm contains about 2,000 trees on approximately 10 acres. They generally range from 4 to 10 feet and will sell for $6 a foot. Trees will be fireproofed for $5 per foot. Plastic wrapping bags will also be on sale. Prices will range from $1.50 to $3, depending on size; coupons issued by the National Christmas Tree Growers Assn., which entitle holders to a free bag, were in the Nov. 19-25 issue of TV Guide. Staffers will drill a hole at the base of the tree to accommodate the water stand. Trees cannot be reserved. Customers can cut their trees down themselves or have staffers do the work for them.
IRVINE
Peltzer Pines Tree Farm 9801 S. Irvine Center Drive
(714) 380-7647
and
9000 S. Irvine Center Drive
(714) 851-2539
\o7 See Peltzer Pines Tree Farm in Garden Grove. \f7 ORANGE
Olde Tyme Christmas Tree Farm
1515 N. Main St.
(714) 974-6244 (Mark Wynn)
Hours: weekdays 11:30 a.m. to dusk and weekends 9 a.m. to dusk.
The trees on the approximately 4 1/2-acre site range from 3 to 13 feet and are priced on average at $4.75 per foot. Home delivery is available for $10. Trees can be fireproofed for $2.50 per foot. Customers can choose to cut down their own trees or have staffers do it for them. Trees can be reserved but must be picked up by Dec. 22. Free greens will be provided.
Peltzer Pines Tree Farm
1545 N. Batavia St.
(714) 637-5555
\o7 See Peltzer Pines Tree Farm in Garden Grove. \f7
Batavia Pines
1550 N. Batavia St.
(714) 637-5555
\o7 Owned by Peltzer; see Peltzer Pines Tree Farm in Garden Grove. \f7 STANTON
Pines West
Magnolia Street at Cerritos Avenue
(714) 527-7107
