X-mas trees – get ‘em before they’re gone

If you think that the day after Thanksgiving is too early to buy a Christmas tree, think again.

Not only is it not too early for Sonoma Valley revelers – it may be too late. Bobbi Hall at Moon Mountain Tree Farm expects to be sold out of trees as of Black Friday.

But don’t panic. Whether you prefer a live tree, a pre-cut tree or buy a living tree that you can plant, Sonoma Valley offers a host of other options for your Christmas tree this year.

Moon Mountain Tree Farm is currently the Valley’s only cut-and-carry Christmas tree farm. Owner Bobbi Hall has only a handful of trees left as of today, so she suggests calling in advance. According to Hall, the family-owned farm is selling fewer trees these days to purposefully keep its business a manageable size. Hall suggests looking at the California Christmas Tree Growers Association website at cachristmas.com for a listing of other farms outside of town if you have your heart set on cutting your own or choosing a tree in the ground.

If you were prepared enough to reserve in advance, Moon Mountain Tree Farm is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 20 to pick up your tree. Staff will cut and carry the tree to your car, but tying on is up to the customer. Moon Mountain only accepts cash or checks. 1550 Moon Mountain Drive. 996-6454.

While many locals still look for the Christmas tree lot that used to be on Eighth Street East and Napa Road, Eric Nyberg has run his popular Christmas tree sales out of a field on West Spain Street for five years now. Nyberg’s Christmas Trees opens the day after Thanksgiving, and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until his trees are gone. He sells Silver Tip, Noble Fir, Nordman Fir and he hopes to get a few Grand Firs as well. Nyberg offers flocking, delivery and tie up on your car. He also sells wreaths, swags and garlands. A portion of the proceeds from his Christmas tree sales each year goes to the Boys & Girls Clubs and Hanna Boys Center. This year, Nyberg is celebrating his 20th year selling Christmas trees in Sonoma Valley.

NURSERIES

Wine Country Garden Center at 21095 Broadway partners with family-owned Pronzini’s Christmas Tree Farms to offer a wide selection of trees starting the day after Thanksgiving. The Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They offer flocking, pre-lit trees, vehicle loading, delivery and installation as well. 778-3871.

Sonoma Mission Gardens at 851 Craig Avenue (off Arnold Drive) sells live trees in pots but no large pre-cut trees. 938-5775.

Supermarkets

Sonoma supermarkets Whole Foods, Safeway and Lucky all sell pre-cut Christmas trees.

Whole Foods at 201 West Napa has a selection of full size trees on sale now. As of press time, Lucky supermarkets at Maxwell Village Shopping Center had perhaps the widest selection of full size trees in its parking lot. Safeway at 477 West Napa sells small 3- to 4-foot tall trees outside.

KEEPING YOUR TREE LOOKING GOOD

Eric Nyberg suggested that you give the bottom a fresh cut and put it in a stand that holds water, and always keep the water filled. You have to keep adding water as long as the tree is up. He said that if you let it go dry even one day it will sap over and it won’t drink anymore, even if you add more water. He also mentioned that a Noble Fir will stay fresh longer than a Douglas Fir.

WHAT TO DO WITH TREE AFTER HOLIDAYS

Perhaps the most dreaded part of the holiday season is taking down and disposing of the tree after Christmas. In what has become a post-holiday tradition, local Girl Scouts will traverse the Valley to pick up trees from all residents and businesses on three Saturdays following Christmas day.

Valley residents can leave their tree at the curb by 9 a.m. and the girls will take it to be recycled. The tree must be free of decorations and flocking, with the stand removed. Donations (suggested amount is $10) should be left under the doormat. Checks should be made out to Girl Scouts. It is not necessary to call to arrange pickup, but rural residents should leave a message at 205-1233 with information about finding their tree. Detailed information can be found on the local Girl Scout website at sonomagirlscouts.com/xmas.

Valley residents who have curbside yard waste service can cut up their tree and leave it in their collection barrel on their usual pickup date, at no extra charge. The tree must fit completely inside the container with the lid closed, however.

Residents outside of Sonoma city limits can leave their tree for curbside pickup by Redwood Empire Disposal on a specific week. See unicycler.com for information. In addition, a maximum of two trees a person can be dropped off for free at the Sonoma Valley dump transfer station on Stage Gulch Road from Dec. 26 through Jan. 18.

Did we miss any local places to buy a tree? Email Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com