It’s not too late to get your Christmas tree from local farms

Whether it’s buying a tree that’s ready to decorate, or hunting down one to cut and bring home, there’s still time to find the perfect tree from local Christmas tree farms.

Pine Tree Acres, Mountain Valley Ranch and Highland Valley Christmas Tree farms have been providing Christmas trees to residents from Ramona and beyond for decades.

Buyers will have to move fast to get their tree from Pine Tree Acres Christmas Tree farm, which only has a few more open days until they close on Dec. 18.

Pine Tree Acres Christmas Tree Farm has been serving Ramona for more than 40 years, said owner Jennifer Dolores.

“We begin offering Christmas tree sales Nov. 28,” Dolores said. “The first week we are open, we have a petting zoo and pony rides.”

Live and potted trees are grown on the farm all year.

“Potted trees, which can remain in their pots throughout the holiday or be planted, include Monterrey and Aleppo pines from 5 to 9 feet tall, which are shaped as traditional Christmas trees,” Dolores said.

“Unshaped Deodar cedars and Italian stone pines are available in 15 gallons, while Elderica pines, 13 feet and taller, are available in wooden crates. All are native to southern California.”

The farm offers live Monterrey Pine trees for choose and cut; assistants can help with the tree cutting or cut the tree for the buyer. 

“We offer handsaws for shoppers wanting to cut their own tree. Buyers are asked to leave any cutting tools at home, and bring a measuring stick before cutting. All the choose and cut trees range from 3 to 9 feet,” Dolores said.

After cutting, shoppers can the options of having the tree wrapped in net for easier handling and a machine shake to remove any dead needles.

Seasonal trees are brought down from Washington, and include Noble, Fraser, Douglas, Nordman and grade firs, from 5 to 13 feet tall. 

“Each tree is given a fresh cut and washed once unloaded from the truck,” Dolores said. “We keep all our seasonal trees in a shaded area and water them daily to keep them fresher longer.”

Pine Tree Acres, at 620 Haverford Road, is open seven days a week. Mondays through Fridays, from noon to 5 p.m.  and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 760-420-7289 or visit: https://pinetreeacresramon.wixsite.com/ramona.

Mountain Valley Ranch sells noble and Douglas fir Christmas trees, which they began offering for sale the day after Thanksgiving. They will remain open until Dec. 23, or until they sell out of trees.

Mountain Valley Ranch is owned and operated by the Battaglia family — Joyce and her grown children, Markie, Marcus and JohnJames. In October, Mountain Valley hosts a  popular Pumpkin Patch and petting zoo. 

“We are in our 29th year of business,” Markie Battaglia said. “We sell noble and Douglas fir Christmas trees, as well as wreaths and garland.”

The trees range from tabletop size to 9 to 10 feet tall. Netting is available. 

“Everything is fresh cut every morning and the trees are watered twice a day to keep them as fresh as possible,” said Joyce Battaglia. 

Buyers who purchase a tree stand along with their tree have the option of not having to purchase another one later.

“If you buy a tree stand from us, we offer to trade it every year,” Battaglia said.

Mountain Valley Ranch, at 842 Highway 78, is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 760-788-8703 or visit: https://mountainvalleyranch.com.

Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm began offering trees the day after Thanksgiving and will continue until Dec. 21.

“We purchased the Christmas tree farm in 2005, but it was operating at least 40 years prior to that,” said Alessandro Gallone, manager and family owner.

The first weekend the farm is open they typically hold a European Christmas Market, he said.

Shoppers’ options include pre-cut and choosing cut trees, ranging from 3 feet to more than 18 feet.

“We grow our own trees, and buyers can cut their own or have a professional cut the tree for them,” Gallone said. “Staff must be there to supervise and we provide all the tools.”

For customers wanting to choose and cut their own tree, the farm offers Monterrey Eldarica, Aleppo and Italian stone pines, as well as Leyland cypress. 

The farm is constantly planting new trees, Gallone said, which are grown using all-organic methods. 

Cutting, shaking and netting are offered free of charge. 

The farm is on the same property as Principe di Tricase Winery, and buyers are encouraged to try some wine or Italian food while searching for their tree. 

Highland Valley Christmas Tree Farm, at 18425 Highland Valley Road, is open Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thurs. and Fri., from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. For more information, call 858-260-8131 or visit: https://www.pine.pineandwine.com/.