Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree in New York City

If you have ever had the experience of buying a live Christmas Tree in New York City, you know what a hassle it can be. It can take you hours of going from one lot to another to find the perfect tree. It can be a very nerve racking and exhausting time and more likely than not, you will settle for whatever you can find, just to bring it to an end.

The trees sold in the city more than likely will be from Canada. Now, there is nothing wrong with trees from Canada. They are beautiful, but by the time they arrive in New York City, it could be up to two weeks from the time they were cut. They have been handled and maybe mishandled many times in their journey.

There is a great alternative to spending hours roaming the New York City streets. Right out on Long Island there are no less than four Christmas Tree Farms where you can come, spend a day in the country and get the freshest tree possible. And most are less than an hour from New York City. It is a great educational opportunity for children, they actually see where the trees come from and what it takes to grow a tree. And the fact that they actually helped cut it, makes it so special.

The Christmas Tree Farm owners know everything there is to know about Christmas Trees. They can advise you on the differences between the different types of trees and tell you how to handle your tree to make it last the longest and also how to keep it safe.

So do something different, make it a family adventure. If you do it once, you will want to come back year after year. It is much less stressful than plowing your way though trees in New York City lots that have been pushed around by who knows how many people before you.

Tilden Lane Christmas Tree Farm
48 Wyckoff St.
Greenlawn , New York 11740 Farm Phone:(631) 261-6392
http://www.tildenlanefarm.com/
Tilden Lane Farm is a family run operation right out on Long Island, less than an hours drive away. Bring your saw or use one of theirs to cut your own tree. Or you can buy a pre cut tree. They have the following types available, Blue, Norway, Serbian, and White Spruce,Concolor, Douglas, and Fraser Fir. The farm is open starting on December 1st until December 17th . They also sell other items such as wreaths and holly, all fresh from the farm.

Carter Christmas Tree Farm
123 N. Country Rd.
Miller Place , New York 11764 Farm Phone:(631) 331-4699
Hours: Nov. 18 - Dec. 17
Weekends only 9 ' til dark
Carter Christmas Tree Farm is a little further out on Long Island, but still within an hours drive of New York City. Their season is earlier, but you can come and tag a tree and come back later to cut it. This does give you the chance of having a wide selection to choose from and it is an enjoyable ride, so twice is not bad at all, especially if it means getting the best tree ever. They have Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce and Douglas Fir.

Pine View Christmas Tree Farm
575 Jackson Ave.
New Windsor , New York 12553
Home Phone:(845) 564-4111
Farm Phone:(845) 564-4111
Pine View farm is a little bit further out on the Island, a little more than an hours drive. Give them a call to find out the hours. There is something special here besides getting a tree. They have farm animals and the kids, especially if they are from the city and have not had an up close experience with the animals, will have a great time visiting them. They have Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, White Pine, Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and Canaan Fir.

Darts Christmas Tree Farms
2355 Main Bayview Road,
Southold, Long Island, NY (631) 765-4148
http://www.dartstreefarm.com/
Darts is out on the North Fork of the Island, the farthest away from New York City. But it is well worth the trip. They have Douglas Fir & Fraser Fir. They also sell hand made wreaths and garlands. And trees that can be planted as well as cut ones. You can take a hay ride around the farm and have Hot Chocolate and snacks, a nice way to warm up after being out in the fields.