As New Yorkers prepare to deck their halls with festive cheer, the hefty price tag of a Christmas tree has sparked debate about whether the tradition is worth breaking the bank. A recent trip to Lower Manhattan saw a Manhattan couple shelling out $89 for a 7-foot tree, claiming it's an essential part of the holiday magic.
For many New Yorkers, paying upwards of $100 for a Christmas tree seems steep, especially with rising living costs and economic uncertainty hanging over the city. However, those in the tree-selling business argue that quality is more important than price.
"I know the economy is bad, but we also know salaries are the same," says Ruibel Diyarza, owner of Diyarza Landscaping in Brooklyn. "We try to do the best thing for our customers." The company's prices range from $65 to $220 for trees of various sizes, with some sellers claiming that quality trumps affordability.
When it comes to selecting a tree, experts recommend looking beyond price and instead opting for freshness. "If your hand is full of needles, the tree is drying out and it's probably not the winner tree," advises Karl Wiesner, who sells trees at Wiesner Brothers Nursery on Staten Island. Conversely, if you run your hands down the branches and feel nothing but a smooth surface, that's a good sign.
Diyarza recommends early-season buyers opt for Fraser firs, as they tend to last longer, while those seeking piney scents may want to consider Balsam trees instead.
Meanwhile, Merry Time Christmas Trees' Vincent DiVino is working hard to keep prices low on his inventory, offering discounts on popular tree species like Fraser fir and balsam. His goal? To make the holiday season a little more affordable for New Yorkers.
Ultimately, whether or not paying top dollar for a Christmas tree is worth it depends on individual circumstances and priorities. However, with the help of savvy shoppers and informed sellers like Diyarza, Wiesner, and DiVino, getting into the holiday spirit can be done without breaking the bank.
For many New Yorkers, paying upwards of $100 for a Christmas tree seems steep, especially with rising living costs and economic uncertainty hanging over the city. However, those in the tree-selling business argue that quality is more important than price.
"I know the economy is bad, but we also know salaries are the same," says Ruibel Diyarza, owner of Diyarza Landscaping in Brooklyn. "We try to do the best thing for our customers." The company's prices range from $65 to $220 for trees of various sizes, with some sellers claiming that quality trumps affordability.
When it comes to selecting a tree, experts recommend looking beyond price and instead opting for freshness. "If your hand is full of needles, the tree is drying out and it's probably not the winner tree," advises Karl Wiesner, who sells trees at Wiesner Brothers Nursery on Staten Island. Conversely, if you run your hands down the branches and feel nothing but a smooth surface, that's a good sign.
Diyarza recommends early-season buyers opt for Fraser firs, as they tend to last longer, while those seeking piney scents may want to consider Balsam trees instead.
Meanwhile, Merry Time Christmas Trees' Vincent DiVino is working hard to keep prices low on his inventory, offering discounts on popular tree species like Fraser fir and balsam. His goal? To make the holiday season a little more affordable for New Yorkers.
Ultimately, whether or not paying top dollar for a Christmas tree is worth it depends on individual circumstances and priorities. However, with the help of savvy shoppers and informed sellers like Diyarza, Wiesner, and DiVino, getting into the holiday spirit can be done without breaking the bank.
I'm sure there are some awesome deals out there, like Vincent DiVino's discounts on Fraser firs and balsams - now that's what I call festive spirit without the hefty price tag! 
Plus, think of all the quality time you'll spend with your family picking out the perfect tree together 
. It's not about breaking the bank, it's about making memories and having fun with the people you love 
.
! Like, if you're on a tight budget, there's gotta be some other ways to make it feel festive and cozy without shelling out that kinda cash 
It's just gonna end up in your living room for like 2 weeks before it dies and you're left with a huge water bill 
. And don't even get me started on the environmental impact of all those trees being chopped down... I'm all about being festive, but can't we find some more sustainable options? 
After all, it's not like you're gonna be using the same old tree next year or anything... just sayin' 
.
anyway I feel you with the prices though $89 for a tree is outta control even if it's supposed to be high quality. And honestly it just doesn't seem worth it when you're trying to save up for rent 
a Christmas tree is supposed to be a symbol of joy and festivity, but when you're paying upwards of $100 for one, it starts to feel more like a luxury item than a fun tradition 
.
I'd love to see more options in the middle ground.
. Christmas trees are just a fad, if you ask me. Mark my words, in 5 years we'll be like "remember when we used to buy those thingamajigs for $89?" 
Some people might say its worth splurging on a fancy tree, while others might be like me and go for something more budget friendly 
. And hey, if you can find a tree that fits your budget and makes you happy, then thats all that matters! 
. On the other hand, DIY-ing your own tree can be a fun way to save some cash, just gotta make sure you get the right one