A.It’s really easy. You just walk around in the fresh mountain air until you see the perfect one for your living room and cut it down. If you need help finding it, cutting it, carrying it, putting it in or on top of your car. We can do all of that for you. Your job is to have fun.
Q.Can we tag a tree and come back for it later?
A.No, we discourage that because tagging a tree makes it more attractive to other shoppers, some of whom will move the tag and take your tree. There is no way we can guard a tree in the field but if you cut it and bring it to the barn we can keep it safe and fresh for you until you return.
Q.What kind of trees do you have?
A.We grow mostly Monterey Pine, Douglas Fir, Sierra Redwoods, and two Cypress varieties. The pines are the long needle ones that smell really good. The short needle Douglas Fir are the traditional trees that have been popular in the West for generations. Redwoods are slightly blueish in color and grow so perfectly shaped.
Q. Do you have Nobles?
A. Noble Firs and the other “True Firs” are native to much colder climates and don’t grow very well in these mountains. We usually have a limited selection from Oregon and the High Sierras, but come early because they go fast.
Q.What are the trees that have sparse branches that stick straight out?
A. Those are the California Red Fir, known as the “Silvertip”. Like the White Fir, Noble Fir, Fraser Fir and the many other “True Firs”, they don’t thrive in this climate but we sometimes have a few from Northern California.
Q.Do you have Scotch pine?
A.Scotch Pine grows mostly in the eastern part of the country but we have Monterey Pine, which looks very similar and smells great.
Q.We are on a tight budget; what are the best price trees?
A.Some prices are discounted $5 on weekdays! We also pay the sales tax for anyone paying cash. We happily accept competitors’ discount coupons up to $5 or 10%. Finally, if you are willing to drive further into the mountains and compromise on the quality we will be happy to direct you to farms with lower prices.
Q. How long does it take for a tree to grow?
A. A typical seven-foot tree is usually 6 to 10 years old. Some species grow faster and the time depends greatly on how well the trees are cared for.
Q.Why is the ground covered with wood chips – the other farms don’t have that?
A.Four really good reasons; (1) wood chips keep the weeds down and eliminate the need for herbicide, (2) that thick organic “blanket” holds moisture in the soil during late summer, (3) the decaying wood chips replenish the soil with nutrients, and (4) it makes a great place to kneel down when you cut your tree.
Q.What is the purpose of controlling the weeds between the trees? That must be a lot of work and the other farms don’t do it.
A. Weeds cause two major problems, (1) they steal the moisture and nutrients that healthy trees need, and (2) that is where the bugs live. If you don’t want ticks, bugs, and spiders in your tree, better find a farm with no weeds.
Q.Why do you leave all of those branches on the stump when the tree is cut?
A. We ask everyone to cut on the color spot, leaving least 5 or 6 branches on the stump. That is enough to keep the stump alive so that it can grow a new tree in a few years. Some of these stumps have produced as many as 7 trees and are still prospering.
Q.Do we need to bring a saw or can we bring our chainsaw?
A.Our insurance will not permit chainsaws but we have plenty of saws for you to use. We also have lots of helpers to cut your tree and carry it down the hill for you.
Q.Do we need to call before coming?
A. No, just check the website for business hours & don’t ignore Yelp and other websites that often publish incorrect hours. We are open from the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Q. What if we get home and realize that we have lost a glove, camera, keys, etc. at Patchen?
A.Just send an email Jim@PatchenCaliformia.com (quicker & easier than phone) explaining what you lost and where you think it might be, and we will send someone out to look for it.
Q. Do you sell firewood?
A.Firewood can be ordered online at https://patchencalifornia.com/product/firewood/.
Note at the very top of the page, where it says “Order Delivery” or Pick Up Here”. There is no cost to pick up at the farm but if you want it delivered you can schedule that. The last step is to select “Type” & “Quantity” needed and add that to your cart.
On the “Cart” page you will be asked again “Pickup at Farm” or “Purchased Local Delivery”. If you forgot to order delivery, click “Local Delivery” to do that. Be sure to confirm the delivery address, time limitations and special instructions in the “Order Notes” box. You should expect order confirmation the same day.
