This holiday season, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) is encouraging Central New York families to buy their Christmas tree from local farmers.

“Buying your tree locally has a number of benefits, from helping to boost the local economy to supporting a clean environment,” said Stirpe. “So as you gather around your Christmas tree this year, creating memories with your friends and family, make it extra special by having a tree grown right here in Central New York.”

Each year, New York helps farmers across the state connect to new markets to support the $8 million Christmas tree industry. New York State is currently fourth in the nation for its number of Christmas tree farms.¹ This year, trees from upstate New York were chosen to be displayed at the New York State Capitol in Albany and Rockefeller Center in New York City.²

Growing Christmas trees also supports a cleaner environment, as the trees provide a habitat for wildlife, remove dust and pollen from the air and can be recycled. Christmas trees also help cut down on carbon dioxide emissions; one acre of Christmas trees removes over 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. New York State Christmas tree growers help remove 2,125 tons of carbon dioxide annually.³

Stirpe noted that local trees can be bought from:

• Chuck Hafner Farms - 8500 Green Lakes Road, Kirkville
• Falls Farm Christmas Trees - 7676 Pratts Falls Road, Manlius
• Page’s Christmas Trees - 3270 Oran Gulf Road, Manlius
• Springside Farm - 1850 Route 91, Fabius
• Whitetail Christmas Tree Farms - 1949 Pompey Center Road, Fabius
• Mary Christmas Tree Farm - 1490 Dutch Hill Road, Tully

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