The holidays don’t have to include a tree, but they’re ubiquitous this time of year, with Christmas tree farms just a few minutes away in the Santa Cruz mountains and pre-cut stands on seemingly every corner. If you do love a good Christmas tree, you have choices: cut your own, buy one off a lot as you drive home from the grocery store on El Camino or invest in a good artificial version.
Which you choose really depends on your space, your budget and how much time and energy you enjoy putting into decorating your home for the holidays. If you ask most of our associates here in the hardware stores, they will tell you unpacking the holiday decor from our suppliers is one of their favorite projects every year.
Choosing the Right Tree for Your Home
Live Trees:
1. Cut-Your-Own Adventure (Santa Cruz Mountains, CA)
- Farms like Crest Ranch and Ward Ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains charge around $80–$100, depending on the type and size.
- You’ll find species like Douglas fir, White fir, and Monterey pine — all grown locally and freshly cut.
| Farm Name | Location | Opening Day / Hours | Tree Type & Experience | Dog-Friendly / Pre-cut Option | Price Range (Est.) | Payment Notes | Website / Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patchen Christmas Tree Farm | Summit Rd, Los Gatos Mountains | Opens Nov 22 2025; Tue–Fri 1–5 pm, Sat–Sun 9–5 | Choose-and-cut Douglas & Noble fir; pre-cut also at Rancho lot | Yes, leashed dogs welcome; Pre-cut available | $80–$120 | Cash or card | patchencalifornia.com • (408) 353-1615 |
| Crest Ranch | Empire Grade, Bonny Doon | Nov 22–Dec 14 2025; Wed & Weekends 8–4:30 | Choose-and-cut Douglas, Noble, Grand Fir; views of Monterey Bay | Yes, dogs on leash; No pre-cut | $75–$100 | Cash or check only | crestranch.com • (831) 458-6436 |
| Ward Ranch (TBA) | 4820 Bonny Doon Rd | Closed 2024; “See you in 2025” – dates TBA | Choose-and-cut Douglas & Noble Fir (when open) | Likely yes, leashed dogs ok in past; Cut-your-own only | n/a (2025 TBA) | Cash preferred | ward-ranch.com • (831) 426-6710 |
| Four Winds Christmas Trees | Skyline Blvd (Santa Cruz Mtn ridge) | Thanksgiving – Christmas; Weekends 9–5 | Choose-and-cut Douglas, White, Grand Fir; small pre-cut lot | Yes, dogs welcome; Both cut & pre-cut | Any tree $80 | Cash or Venmo | four-winds-ranch.com |
| Mountain Charlie Ranch (TBA) | Skyline Blvd near Summit Rd | 2024 dates posted; 2025 not yet confirmed (usually Thanksgiving wknd) | Choose-and-cut fir & pine on historic property | Yes, dogs welcome; Cut-your-own only | $70–$100 (est.) | Cash only | charlieranch.com |
| Skyline Ranch Christmas Trees | 22246 Skyline Blvd | Opens Fri after Thanksgiving 2025; daily 9–4:30 | Choose-and-cut Douglas, White & Noble Fir on 20 acres | Yes, dogs ok; Cut-your-own only | $75–$120 | Cash or card | skyline-ranch.com |
| Rancho Siempre Verde | 2250 Rams Rd | Nov 29–Dec 22 2025; Fri–Sun 9–4:30 | Choose-and-cut Noble & Douglas Fir plus bonfires, wreaths, cider | Yes, dogs welcome; Cut-your-own only | $90–$120 | Cash or card | rsvtrees.com • (650) 879-3153 |
Pro tip: Bring gloves, twine and a blanket to protect your car roof, and check whether the farm accepts cards or cash only.
2. Buying from a Lot
No time or inclination for a road trip? Local tree lots are all over the Bay Area, and some have better trees than others. Look for deep green needles that stay put when tugged and a sticky, fresh-cut base.
Artificial Trees: Easy, Reusable, and Customizable
Artificial trees are a great pick if you want to decorate early or avoid the cleanup.
Things to consider:
- Ready in minutes and reusable for years.
- Available pre-lit and in every shape and color.
- Allergy-friendly and safe for warm, dry homes.
- Higher upfront cost, but lasts for years.
- Require storage space for the off-season.
Pro tips:
- If you go pre-lit, look for LED bulbs — they stay cool, shine bright and use less energy.
- Try Ebay. If you know what kind of tree you want, you can be kind to the environment and get a good deal. Many sellers have a return policy – but double-check before buying.
Measure First, Buy Second: How to Measure for the Perfect-Sized Tree for Your Space
Before you head out (or add to cart), grab your tape measure.
- Height
- Subtract 12 inches from your ceiling height to allow space for a topper and tree stand. For example, for an 8-foot ceiling, aim for a 7-foot tree.
- Width
- Leave at least 6 inches between the widest branches and nearby walls or furniture.
- Footprint
- Use painter’s tape to outline the base of your future tree — this helps you visualize how much floor space it’ll take up.
- Stands matter
- Make sure your stand can hold one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter (for real trees) or a sturdy base for taller artificial ones. Shop for stands here.
Bonus Tips
- For real trees: Recut the base at home before placing it in water to keep it fresh longer.
- For artificial trees: Fluff branches for fullness and store in the original box to preserve shape.
- For everyone: Plug in and test your lights before decorating (trust us on this one). Also, string from the bottom up and make sure you start with the male end of the cord at the wall.
A Word from Your Hassett Hardware Store Team
Whether you’re cutting a fresh tree from the Santa Cruz Mountains or unpacking a favorite artificial tree, we’ve got everything you need to make it shine — from tree stands and LED lights to extension cords, storage bins, and timers. Stop by your local store for holiday prep supplies and a few expert tips while you’re there. Shop for trees, lights, stands, extension cords and everything else here.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: If someone tells you about male-to-male (or double male) extension cords, don’t. Here’s why.
But if that’s tl;dr, they’re extremely dangerous. They are not a complete circuit; as such, both ends are live (which is, of course, why people want them), and they can conduct electricity, causing electrocution and fire.
Real Tree Safety Tips
Start with a fresh tree.
Look for vibrant green needles that don’t fall off easily when you touch them. A dry tree can catch fire quickly, so freshness matters most.
Give it a fresh cut.
Before placing your tree in the stand, cut about ½ inch off the base of the trunk. This opens up the pores so it can absorb water more easily.
Keep it hydrated.
Real trees can drink a quart or more of water a day. Check the stand daily and refill so the base never dries out. A dry tree is a fire hazard.
Choose the right stand.
Use a sturdy, tip-resistant stand that fits your tree’s trunk size. Avoid shaving the sides of the trunk to make it fit — that can prevent water absorption.
Keep away from heat.
Position your tree at least 3 feet from fireplaces, wood stoves, heat vents, and space heaters. Even decorative candles nearby can dry it out.
Use indoor-rated lights only.
Check that your string lights are UL-listed for indoor use and in good condition — no frayed cords, broken bulbs, or loose connections.
Turn off lights before bed or when leaving home.
Never leave your tree lights on unattended. Consider using a smart plug or timer for convenience.
Dispose of promptly after the holidays.
Once the tree begins dropping needles or drying out, recycle it through local pickup programs or take it to a designated composting site. Don’t burn it in your fireplace — dry evergreen burns too hot and can cause chimney fires.
Check your smoke detectors.
The holidays are a good reminder to test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.
Holiday Decorating Shopping Checklist
Lighting & Electrical
- LED string lights (indoor/outdoor)
- Extension cords and power strips
- Smart plugs or timers for lights
- Cord clips and cable organizers
Tree Setup & Care
- Tree stands (various sizes and types)
- Tree skirts or waterproof mats
- Funnels or watering aids for live trees
- Tree preservative or stand treatment
- Pruning shears for trimming branches
Hanging & Decorating
- Ornament hooks and hangers
- Garland hooks and clips
- Gloves for handling real trees or garland
Home Fragrance & Ambiance
- Eucalyptus or pine-scented candles
- Flameless candles or string lanterns
Storage & Cleanup
- Ornament storage bins and dividers
- Light reels or storage spools
- Heavy-duty storage totes
- Brooms, vacuums, or shop vacs for pine needles
Festive Holiday Touches for Small Homes
If you live in an apartment or condo, go for compact decorations—like tabletop trees, wreaths hung on interior doors or strands of fairy lights around windows and mirrors. You can still create a festive atmosphere without taking up valuable space.
We love this little tree from AceHardware.com.
Quick Tip
Use timers for both indoor and outdoor lights to save energy and hassle.
Wrap It Up with Hassett
With a bit of time and the right touches, any home can feel festive. From adding a new holiday doormat and a few new candles to pulling a full Griswold, with a tree, wreaths, lights on timers all around, and more decorations than can fit in your RV.
For everything you need this season, stop by your local Hassett Hardware or select your location to order online. Whether you’re shopping for local Christmas tree decorations in the Bay Area, safe and bright LED holiday lights, or the perfect Christmas Tree, Hassett Hardware has you covered with friendly advice, local service and trusted products since 1957.