At Sierra Cascade Christmas Trees, Christmas isn't just a business -- it's a science and a tradition. David and his family have operated this tree lot for 40 years, and while his father got through college doing sports, Christmas trees were his passion. David's son is following in his grandfather's, and father's, footsteps now, with a degree in horticulture.
You can smell this passion from the moment you drive up to Sierra Cascade. I was welcomed by the smell of fresh pine, and a giant inflatable Santa. Walking down the rows and rows of trees, I was impressed by a number of things: the first being the freshness of the trees. Not only did the trees look full and fluffy; I rubbed the needles between my fingers and ran my palm across the branches and felt, and saw, how fresh they were. The needles clung close to the branches, not a hint of dehydration.
I was impressed, too, by the number of varieties at Sierra Cascade. My favorite was the Nordmann Fir, which is described as Europe's tree of choice for the holidays because of its deep, rich color and dense foliage. The further I walked into the lot, the more I noticed: Douglas Firs, Noble Firs, and Silver Tips. The trees at Sierra Cascade range from 3 feet, to 16 feet tall!
While the staff, including David and his son, help you load up the perfect tree, you can get everything else you need to decorate. Under the candy striped tent, you'll find candy canes, wreaths, swags, tree stands, and handcrafted wooden deer and snowmen, as well as tree preservative and disposal bags. At Sierra Cascade, there is a human behind everything you see, and David can tell you their name.
Community is important to David, and as a businessman and a neighbor, he goes above and beyond to make sure his customers want to come back year after year. I told him how much I appreciated Sierra Cascade being a sort of "one-stop shop" for Christmas, and he let me know about what else he's doing for the community. Soon, when you come to pick up your perfect tree, you and your family will be able to enjoy hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies while you shop -- or take a cup to go to enjoy while you drive around and look at Christmas lights. David also holds a contest every day of the season: if you find the hidden ribbon inside the tree of the day, you can bring it home for free! He partners with the local radio station to give away free trees, too. Don't worry if you don't win, though; there are trees for every budget at Sierra Cascade, ranging from $50 to $300.
When you decorate your home this season, consider supporting a local, and long-standing, family business. If you strike up a conversation with David, you'll find that it's anything but transactional. David is a father, animal lover, and chocoholic, and when he isn't growing trees, he's running a Mexican restaurant with his wife. You can find him at 2314 Pillsbury Road in Chico from 9AM-9PM daily, now until Christmas.
