New York residents are facing a familiar dilemma as the holiday season arrives: how much to spend on a Christmas tree when budgets are already stretched thin.
Gothamist is tracking tree prices across the city this December, and the data reveals significant variation depending on neighborhood and retailer. A 6- to 7-foot Fraser fir at Home Depot on Staten Island recently sold for $64, while high-end Manhattan vendors are asking as much as $220 for premium trees. In between, Brooklyn and Staten Island sellers offer trees in the $65–$89 range, with Manhattan averaging closer to $89–$100.
“It’s not the same without it, it just really makes a difference,” said Daniela Petrova, a Manhattan resident, after purchasing a 7-foot tree for $89. “Putting on the ornaments and the whole tradition of it, it’s just magical.”
Despite economic headwinds, several tree vendors told Gothamist they’re keeping prices unchanged from last year, even as their own costs rise. Ruibel Diyarza, who runs Diyarza Landscaping in Brooklyn, explained: “We know the economy is bad, but also we know salary is the same. We try to do the best thing for our customers.”
Most NYC tree retailers source their stock from farms in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania—regions exempt from recently imposed tariffs on imported goods. This helps mitigate price pressures that have affected other sectors of the economy.
Quality matters when selecting a tree. Karl Wiesner, who operates Wiesner Brothers Nursery on Staten Island, recommends running your hands down a branch before purchasing. “If your hand is full of needles, the tree is drying out and it’s probably not the winner tree,” Wiesner said. “If nothing falls off, it’s pretty fresh.”
For buyers planning ahead, Diyarza suggests purchasing a Fraser fir early in the season, as they retain needles longer. Those seeking a traditional piney fragrance should consider a Balsam variety instead.
Large retailers like Whole Foods and Home Depot have emerged as the most affordable options, with prices consistently undercutting neighborhood vendors. However, local sellers emphasize personalized service and quality guarantees. Vincent DiVino, operator of Merry Time Christmas Trees on Staten Island, said he guarantees every tree sold: “If the tree dies, show me a picture, you don’t gotta bring it to me. I give you a new one for free.”
The Christmas tree market reflects broader economic anxieties facing New York households. With sky-high rents, rising food costs, and potential tariff impacts, families are balancing holiday tradition against household budgeting pressures. DiVino summed up the sentiment: “They gotta get gifts, too, not break the bank buying trees.”
Like us on Facebook for more stories like this: