When to Buy a Christmas Tree in Los Angeles (and How Long It Lasts)
Early December weekends book up first, and earlier picks have the most choice. Here's how long a real tree typically lasts indoors and how to time yours.
By Hanniel & Dana, LA Christmas Tree Delivery · · 5 min read
The best time to buy a Christmas tree in Los Angeles is early. Order before the first weekends of December fill up, and plan for an early December delivery. A fresh-cut tree with good care typically lasts about four to five weeks indoors, so a tree that goes up then can stay green through Christmas.
Those are the two things to balance. Order early for the best choice and an open delivery day. Then keep the tree watered, because LA's warm, dry air is the main thing that shortens a tree's life.
How long does a real Christmas tree last indoors?
With a fresh cut, a good stand and water every day, a fresh-cut fir typically lasts about four to five weeks indoors. Some last longer. Some don't make it that far. The difference is almost always water and heat.
Here in LA, a tree has a few things working against it: low humidity, dry Santa Ana winds, warm December afternoons, and wall heaters or forced-air vents blowing warm air across the room. None of that means you should wait to buy. It means you should keep the stand full. Our guide to keeping a Christmas tree fresh in Los Angeles covers the whole routine.
Count it out. A tree that goes up at the start of December is about three and a half weeks from Christmas, and about four and a half weeks from New Year's Day. That's within what a well-watered tree typically handles.
Why do early December weekends book up first?
Most people want their tree on a weekend, and lots of them want it at the start of the season. So the first weekends of December are the first days to fill up.
Hanniel groups nearby orders into routes, and each day only fits so many stops. If you have a specific weekend in mind, it's worth ordering a little ahead of it. If your schedule is flexible, ask about a weekday.
Do you get a better tree if you buy early?
Usually, yes. Earlier picks have the most choice. That matters most if you want something specific: a certain height, an especially full Douglas fir, or a Noble fir with good open tiers for heavy ornaments.
As the season goes on, trees sell and the choice narrows. Later in December there's typically less to pick from, especially at the taller and fuller end. Ordering early gets the best pick.
How does picking a tree from photos work?
You don't have to drive to a lot, walk the rows and tie a tree to your car. Here's how it works with us:
- Tell us your address, the delivery date you want, door drop-off or setup, and roughly how tall a tree you're after.
- Dana sends clear photos, or a short video, of real, numbered trees at the lot. Each one comes with its type, height and price.
- You pick a tree by its number, like #37.
- Before you pay, Dana confirms your address, setup choice, stand, any stairs or access details, the full total and your delivery window.
- Once you pay, your tree gets a tag with your order number. It's set aside in the holding area and marked PAID, so nobody else can buy it.
- On delivery day, Hanniel loads the van, checks the stand and supplies, and texts you when the crew is on the way.
What does a tagged, reserved tree mean?
It means the tree is yours. After payment it carries your order number, sits in the holding area and is marked PAID. Nobody else can pick it. The tree in the photo is the tree that's set aside for you, which is the whole point of the number.
A simple timeline for an LA Christmas tree
- As soon as you know you want a tree: measure your ceiling and floor space where the tree will go.
- Before the first December weekends fill up: send us your order details and pick your tree from Dana's photos.
- Delivery day: the tree goes in its stand and gets water right away. With setup, we handle that part. With door drop-off, you do.
- Every day after: check the water. Morning is easiest. Look twice a day on warm or windy days.
- When it turns brittle: if needles snap instead of bend and fall everywhere, the tree is done. A very dry tree is a fire risk, so take it down.
What if you'll be away for a few days?
Plenty of people travel at some point in December. A fresh tree in a warm house can drink a stand dry in a couple of days. Before you leave, fill the stand all the way, turn off the tree lights and the heater, and close the blinds on sunny windows. If you'll be gone more than a day or two, ask a neighbor to check the water. If you're away for a big stretch early in the month, pick a delivery date after you're back.
What does delivery cost?
Delivery is one price per order, based on driving miles from our pickup point at 1256 S Glendale Ave in Glendale. Door drop-off is $98 within 5 driving miles and $148 for over 5 and up to 10. Bring inside and set up is $198 or $248 for the same distances, for trees up to 7 ft. The tree is priced separately, and Dana sends each price with the photos. Over 10 driving miles, ask us for a quote. The full list is on our pricing page.
Much of Glendale, Atwater Village, Eagle Rock and Los Feliz falls within 5 driving miles of the lot. We confirm the exact driving miles when you order.
When you're ready, start your order and tell us the date you have in mind.