Cutting down your own holiday tree might be a yearly tradition, or maybe it’s a bucket list item that finally needs to be checked off. Either way, you don’t need to leave LI for the Griswold Family Christmas Tree – there are plenty o’ fields filled with evergreens just waiting to take up residence in your family room .
Before you head out, thought I’d share a few tips I grabbed from Bob Vila’s website. Some words of wisdom from an expert could save you some headaches.
· Don’t cut your tree too early – fresh trees have about a three-week shelf life.
· Size it up before you cut - you don’t want to get home and it’s too chubby or tall for that perfect spot in your house.
· Be prepared to take that baby home. Bring twine, bungee cords, scissors, and anything else you might need to secure the tree on your car.
· Dress for the occasion – that means not only hat and jacket, but work gloves and sturdy shoes.
· Yes a chain saw is the most efficient means of cutting a tree, but be prepared to use a handsaw, which most farms will supply.
· Give it a tug – if it’s fresh the needles will stay put. If they fall to the ground easily, move on to the next one.
· Cut your Christmas tree as low to the ground as possible. Your tree will not only be taller, but it will also allow another tree to resprout.
Here is a list of farms around Long Island that allow you to cut down your own holiday tree:
Lewin Farm, Calverton
You can hitch a tractor ride through their fields in search of the perfect tree – endless rows of firs, spruces, and pines. They also offer pre-cut trees.
http://www.lewinfarm.com/
Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm, Mattituck
This family-owned Christmas tree farm is situated on 20 acres of land on Elijah Lane. You can also take pictures with Santa, listen to some holiday carols, and sip some coffee or hot chocolate.
https://www.shamrockchristmastreefarm.com/
Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm, Southold
Known for their rainbow forest of trees – you can buy trees in shades of purple, pink, blue, and orange. Lots of activities on the premises too – enough to spend an evening or afternoon.
https://www.dartschristmastreefarm.com/
Zuhoski Farm, Cutchogue
Once a vegetable and potato farm, the Zuhoski family transitioned this location into a nursery. They also sell wreaths, pine roping, kissing balls, and centerpieces.
https://zuhoskitreefarm.com/
Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm, Southold
In addition to Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce (as well as other tree varieties), Santa’s occupies a 2,500-foot retail space filled with ornaments, decorations, and vendors selling snacks and hot cocoa. Really a sight to see.
https://www.santaschristmastreefarmli.com/
Tilden Lane, Greenlawn
The Tilden family has roots in Huntington dating back to the 1700s. This no-frills farm offers an old-fashioned holiday experience. FYI - Cash only.
http://www.tildenlanefarm.com/
Mike’s Christmas Tree Farm, Manorville
Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce and others. Traditional Music, tractor rides, tree wrapping, saws provided. Balled and Burlapped Trees available too.
https://www.facebook.com/LongIslandChristmastrees/
Matt’s Christmas Tree Farm, Manorville
Small family farm with all the fixin’s you’ll need: Bow saws, trailor rides back, netting, loading and tying assistance. Candy canes for the kids. And maybe the adults too.
http://www.mattschristmastreefarm.com/
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