California Beaches Blog

California, the land of superlatives has the biggest Christmas trees, according to reports. The annual tree in Fashion Island’s outdoor shopping mall (seen in photograph)  is reportedly the tallest tree in the U.S.  The secret behind this monster is an amazing process that we discovered when visiting and taking pictures. They scout for a big, strong base, then strip down the branches during transport, and drilling holes in the base to “replant” limbs and branches. Reconstructing the tree on site in the center of the mall that sits on a hilltop overlooking the Newport Bay and Pacific Ocean is a huge task. I would not have believed it till I touched a branch and discovered the pine needles that were used to decorated this massive tree were plastic.

Also in California is the world’s 2nd biggest tree and the biggest living Christmas tree in the United States, the General Grant in Sequoia National Park, which is said to be the national Christmas tree.

In Ferndale, the village in Humboldt County Redwoods country claim to have the tallest living Christmas tree, which is lit each year though it decorates the town throughout the seasons with its amazing height.

California loves its holidays and its trees range from the biggest to the tallest. But in reality, tree bragging rights are in effect all year long, and available for tourists to look at, minus the lights.

Note: California also is home to the oldest living tree, close to 5,000 years old. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is located in the White Mountains, California.  Read more about California Christmas Trees.