Disclosure: Dave Beresford, owner of Sierra Cascade Christmas Trees, graciously agreed to barter with me for this article. The opinions expressed are genuine.
Smells Like Christmas Spirit
Decorating the Christmas tree is my favorite tradition to kick-off the holiday season. It always puts me in the Christmas spirit!
Of all the ways to acquire a Christmas tree, going to a local tree lot is my family's preference. We've done the fake tree thing, and we cut down our own last year - have you seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? - it was rough.
A tree lot is safer and warmer, more accessible than hiking in the snow, and you still get the authentic smell of a real conifer in your home.
Our Pick
So where should you get one? Macaroni KID Chico recommends Sierra Cascade Christmas Trees! I met Dave Beresford, the owner, when we went to pick out a tree. He's been in business for 38 years and really knows his stuff.
We are return customers, and were originally drawn to this particular tree lot because of its convenient location, ample parking, and well-lit display of impressive Christmas trees.
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A Wide Selection
Whether you want a 3 foot Noble Fir to put on top of a table (a great option if you have a toddler in the house), a towering 16 foot Silver Tip, or something in between, Sierra Cascade Christmas Trees has what you're looking for - and then some!
Their Christmas tree lot is conveniently located on Pillsbury Road in the North Valley Plaza parking lot - by Sportsman's Warehouse and Trader Joe's. They are open every day from 9 am to 9 pm during the holiday season.
They have all of their trees displayed in water. When you purchase a tree, they give it a fresh cut - which is also really important for keeping it from drying out - and then bring your tree to your vehicle.
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If you like the fuller, darker Christmas trees, then you'll want to check out their Noble, Nordman, and Douglas Firs. They have plenty to choose from!
The Nobles and Nordmans (Nordmen?) are priced the same, depending on height. They start between 3-4 feet ($38.93) and top out at 10-11 feet tall ($300). We saw a bunch in the 6-9 foot range especially. A 6-7 foot Nordman Christmas tree, which is what we got, goes for $97.44.
6-7 foot Douglas Firs are even more affordable at $65.27. The other varieties will stay fresh longer, though, and can hold heavier decorations, too.
Colored ties indicate the height without having to read each individual tag. It's super easy and even small kids can get involved. Choosing which beautiful tree is the tricky part.
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Silver Tips are taller and lighter in color with open, layered branching, and are known for staying fresh for a long time. The ones under 11 feet are priced very similarly to the shorter varieties. For example a 9-10 foot Noble is $215, and a 9-10 foot Silver Tip is $220. They top out at 15-16 feet for $500.
*If you get one of these big ones, email me a photo of it all decorated and I can add your picture to this article. Please, inspire us!*
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Flocked trees are available as well. It'll cost you extra, but the snowy look is gorgeous! You can purchase a flocked tree, or have flocking added to your pick of the lot.
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A Chance to Win
Love freebies and scavenger hunts? Every single day, a tree is chosen as the Free Tree of the Day! Just find the one with the ribbon on it, and you get to leave with that tree - or a different one of equal value - for free! They post on social media (Facebook and Instagram) when the free tree has been found.
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A One-Stop Shop
Sierra Cascade has more to offer than their fresh and healthy Christmas trees. Under the tent (where you check out) they also offer cute and classy Christmas decorations like snowmen and reindeer crafted from log rounds, a variety of wreaths, pine cones, garlands, and mistletoe.
Their selection of supplies includes tree stands, tree preservative, firewood, disposal bags, and water funnels.
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While supplies last, you can also buy a bag of delicious locally-grown mandarin oranges. Yum!
This wasn't our first time getting a Christmas tree from Sierra Cascade Christmas Trees (or the last), but it has been the most memorable. I experience supporting local businesses differently than I used to - before Macaroni KID - knowing that what I learn can be shared to help other families like yours.
If you choose to get your tree from Sierra Cascade Christmas Trees, please let them know you saw their article from Macaroni KID Chico!
