Monterey pine is a true local: its native range is a few small groves on the Central Coast, including near Santa Cruz. It grows fast, with long, bright-green needles in bundles and dense, bushy branches.
The look is fuller and shaggier than a fir, and the scent is fresh and piney. The long needles hide lights well but can make hanging ornaments a little trickier. It’s often one of the less expensive choices at farms that grow it.
Farms that grow Monterey pine
- Patchen Christmas Tree Farm, Old Town
- Patchen Christmas Tree Farm, Rancho
- Four Winds Christmas Trees
- Mountain Charlie Christmas Tree Ranch
- Skyline Ranch Tree Farm
Selection changes every season, so check with the farm before you go.
Compared with other trees
- Scotch pine: Scotch pine has shorter needles, stiffer branches and better needle retention.