How to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in NYC

Picking out and buying the perfect Christmas tree can be a daunting task in any city, but living in Manhattan makes the challenge even greater. There's a lot more to consider when you buy a tree in Manhattan, like how to haul it home and where you're going to put it when you get it there, but New York City was home to the very first Christmas tree lot in 1851, so while buying a Christmas tree might come with some hassle it also has its history as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Power strip
• Extension cords
• Cash

1. Find a spot in your apartment. In Manhattan, space is limited and you don't want to bring home a fat, 8-foot balsam fir if you can't even fit it in the room. Your tree should not be blocking a fire exit and should be safely away from your heating element. Make sure to measure ceiling height and door widths, both in the entryway of your building and your apartment.
2. Pick a lot. As soon as Thanksgiving ends, Christmas tree lots will pop up all over the place, from permanent and makeshift bodegas to Christmas Craft shows and the Union Square Holiday Market, so you won't have to search very long to find a place to buy.
3. Pick the right tree. There are a number of evergreen trees to choose from, which all range in needle length and smell. The Douglas fir, balsam fir and white spruce have short needles, while the white pine and Scots pine have longer needles. Make sure to pick a tree that looks fresh and smells delicious; there shouldn't be any brown needles and the branches should be perky and strong.
4. Try these tricks to ensure its quality. Lift a tree a couple of inches off the ground and let it fall onto its cut stem; a fresh tree will not lose any green needles, though a few brown ones might fall from the inside. Stroke a branch with a delicately closed hand; if the needles are dry, fall off in your hand or don't bounce back to the position they were originally in, then you should move on to another tree.
5. Talk the price down. Prices can get pretty outrageous, ranging from $5 to $25 a foot, but haggling is customary and expected with most vendors, so don't be afraid to speak your mind. Make sure you have cash in a variety of bills; many small vendors won't take credit cards and you'll be more successful haggling if you don't need them to make change.
6. Decide how you're getting your new tree home. Smaller Christmas trees can easily be carried and medium trees aren't so bad if they're wrapped, which most vendors can do for you, but if hauling your tree across town seems less than ideal you can always have it delivered at a small cost. If you live in a 6th floor walk-up, it may be money well spent.
7. Order your tree online. Omni Farm, Christmas Trees Now and Egan Acres Tree farm in the Bronx are just a few of the retailers that will ship directly to your door. Most trees will deliver in 48 to 72 hours after you place your order and on average a 4 to 5 foot tree costs around $60.
8. Make sure there is plenty of water in the stand and check it constantly. Experts say you should put hot water into the stand the first time you fill it to help remove any sealing sap, which will allow the tree to soak in water. Cut trees can keep for several weeks if they are constantly drinking, but the dryer they get the greater risk of fire.
9. Plug lights into a power strip to avoid short circuiting and to help prevent sparks and fires. Make sure all your wires are out of high traffic areas where someone might trip over them.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the tree's water daily to make sure it doesn't dry out.
• Keep light and power cords out of heavy traffic areas.
• Keep the tree clear of heaters and radiators.
• Make sure to unplug lights when you leave the apartment or go to bed.

Who Can Help:

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