Noonan's Christmas Tree Lot

Doug NoonanWe asked Doug Noonan, who along with his brother Harry, owns Noonan's Christmas Tree lot at 2059 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. This has been a family-run business since 1944. So let's find out about Christmas trees ...

1. What are the most popular trees you sell and what size?

The 6-, 7- and 8-foot Noble trees are our most popular sellers.

2. What are the different types of trees you have on the lot?

Nobles, Plantation Douglas Firs and Grand Firs.

3. What is the proper care for a Christmas tree?

Keep it away from fire and heat. Always unplug it when you leave the house and when you go to bed at night. To keep your tree fresh, rinse your tree before moving it into the house, slice the trunk every 7 days, use bottled water mixed with sugar or Karo syrup to keep it fresh.

4. Why trees and what is the history of Noonan's?

My dad started the business in 1944 when he left the army and had no job. Our first family lot was on Newport Boulevard and trees only cost 10 cents!

5. When do you cut the trees down?

We get them from a few small farms in Oregon and they're cut down three days before shipping.

6. What do you do when you're not selling Christmas trees? 

I'm a sales rep. and general merchandiser for anything from food to clothing.

7. How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?

 For the six to eight footers ... eight years.

8. What other popular requests do you get from customers?

We're often asled if we deliver, which we do. Lots of people ask for garlands, wreaths and custom flocking.

9. Why did you choose Costa Mesa for your tree lot location, and how many years have you been here?

I live in Costa Mesa and our first lot was on Newport Boulevard for 37 yrs. We've been here on Harbor Boulevard for five years.

10. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Watching all the kids running around in the Christmas tree lot. Christmas is all about the kids.