Reports of a national shortage of Christmas trees should not concern residents who are planning to get their tree from the Wilshire Rotary’s annual Christmas tree lot.
“We have over 600 trees that were delivered early Wednesday morning,” James Gips, manager of the lot told the Buzz Wednesday afternoon. “And we will continue to get deliveries every week.”
Gips, who lives on Irving Blvd, manages the lot for his in-laws, Scott and Wendy Clifford, who have been running the lot for the Rotary for the last 11 years.
“That’s what happens when you marry the boss’s daughter,” said Gips, whose usual work as a cinematographer slows down around the holidays so he can manage the lot.
There was a good selection of Noble, Douglas, Nordmann, Grand and Silvertip Fir trees when the Buzz stopped by on Wednesday afternoon. Gips was helping someone select the perfect Silvertip Fir, known for its open, elegant structure ideal for showing off ornaments.
According to Gips, the Silvertip trees are grown at very high altitudes and have to be cut in October then put into cold storage otherwise they would be buried in the snow. They expect to have many more silvertips than in the past. The Cliffords traveled to Sublimity, Oregon this summer to pick out the trees. The lot also sells wreaths, garland, reindeer, snowmen and other supplies. Delivery is available.
All the proceeds go to charity. They also donate trees to several local shelters and needy families. The lot is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm seven days a week through December 23 or while supplies last.
Wilshire Rotary Christmas Tree Lot
568 N. Larchmont Boulevard
(Between Beverly & Melrose)
323-464-1935
