2026.02.05 | What’s Going On with the Christmas Trees?

Did you notice something new at East Ranch? Sharp-eyed visitors sure did! Last month, a bunch of pine trees seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Some people even thought a Christmas tree farm had moved in.

That’s not far from the truth. These trees are real Christmas trees that were donated by the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce. After the holidays, the Chamber wanted to find a good home for the living trees instead of throwing them away.

Because the trees are Monterey pines — our local species — they were a great fit for East Ranch. The West Ranch has strict rules about planting only trees grown from local seeds, but the East Ranch community park site has more flexibility.

David Aguirre, CCSD’s Facilities and Resources Department Manager, happily accepted the donation of 30 trees which even came with free delivery to Cambria. Then the hard work began. The trees arrived in big 15-gallon containers, which meant digging lots and lots of holes.  Luckily, Mr. Aguirre and his crew had the tools, skills, and teamwork to get it done.

Soon, the trees will get a layer of wood chips around them. This will help to keep the soil moist and stop weeds from growing. CCSD staff is keeping them watered during our unusually dry winter.

Monterey pine are a very popular Christmas tree in Australia and New Zealand where the species is the most widely planted tree. Their long needles, piney smell, and fast growth make them an attractive choice for both tree farmers and holidaymakers. Though less common in the United States, the same reasons keep them in the mix in California.

This group of Monterey pines joins a 2020 planting of native coast live oak, sycamore, bay laurel, big leaf maple, and redbud that surround the Dog Park. Those trees were supported by a beautification grant to Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve from San Luis Obispo County supervisors. They are being well cared for by a volunteer.

Now the East Ranch is brighter and greener with young Monterey pines. As they grow, they’ll lose their Christmas-tree shape and become big, beautiful trees for everyone to enjoy. And guess what? Even more trees might be headed to Cambria next year!