Where To Get A Live Christmas Tree In New Port Richey

PASCO COUNTY, FL — If you’re planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, it’s a good idea to scope out what will be available from Christmas tree lots in Pasco County.

Residents can pick up live, freshly cut Christmas trees shipped from Northern states at a number of locations throughout the area.

Live, Cut Christmas Trees

The annual Shops at Wiregrass Christmas tree lot, 28211 Paseo Drive, Suite 100, Wesley Chapel, will be open through Christmas Day in the tree tent in the parking lot near Macy's from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Sunkissed Christmas Trees at Frankie's Raw Bar, 4903 State Road 54 in Port Richey, opened Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. and will sell trees Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays from noon to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kathy "The Wreath Lady" is also available at Sunkissed Christmas Trees to provide custom wreaths, door hangers, table arrangements and more. She can be reached at 727-455-5965.

Al Keith & Sons Christmas Trees, 13630 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City, officially opened on Nov. 24, offering pre-cut Christmas trees including Fraser fir and blue spruce and Carolina sapphire potted trees along with wreaths. The lot is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Email alkeith42@aol.com.

Tree Brothers Christmas is now open at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa, the Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N Racetrack Road, Oldsmar, and The Grove At Wesley Chapel behind the new Starbucks. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Cut Your Own Tree

The most popular Christmas trees for cutting and decorating for the holidays simply don't grow in Florida's humid environment and inhospitable soil, including the Fraser fir, the Douglas fir, the balsam fir, Scotch pine and blue spruce.

Most of these trees are grown in the five top Christmas tree-producing states — Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

However, it's not impossible to start a family tradition and cut your own tree in Florida.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are 17 tree farms in Florida where residents can cut their own Christmas tree, which include Southern red cedar, Virginia pine, sand pine, spruce pine and Leyland cypress in Florida.

Christmas tree harvesting does not upset the ecology because more trees are planted than harvested each year and, while growing, Christmas trees provide environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat and increased soil stability.

The Florida Department of Agriculture said purchasing a homegrown Florida tree is also good for the environment because less fuel is used in transportation and it supports the farmers of the state.

This year the Florida Forest Service is inviting residents to start a new family tradition by cutting a sand pine tree at the annual Sand Pine Christmas Tree Sale starting Nov. 27. Trees will be harvested along School Bus Road on the Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest in Frostproof in Polk County.

Trees are available for $10 and will require a special use permit available from the Florida Forest Service office. Anyone interested will need to bring their own handsaw. Power saws are not allowed. Sand pines 15 feet or less in height can be harvested.This year, the Florida Forest Service is hosting a free event on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLean Cabin Day Use Area on School Bus Road. There will be a scavenger hunt, wildfire equipment to see, nature crafts and a special visit from Smokey Bear.

Contact Nathan Bartosek at 863-589-0528 or the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest office at 863-589-0545.

Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm, 20638 Moreland Drive, Spring Hill, will be open starting Nov. 24 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The farm will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. The family-owned tree farm specializes in Florida native Carolina sapphires, Southern red cedars and Sand Pines. The farm provides bow saws to cut the trees and no reservations are required. Blue Acres also sells fresh-cut handmade Fraser fir wreaths, raw honey and seasoned firewood by the trunk load for $20 for up to 45 pieces. Military and first responders with identification will receive $5 off any tree. Email blueacreschristmastrees@gmail.com or call 352-422-6375.

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm, 3325 Trieman Blvd., Dade City, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The farm offers cut-your-own long-needle pine and Southern cedar trees as well as Northern imports including Fraser firs and Bal Fra (a hybrid balsam and Fraser fir). Cut-your-own field-grown trees are priced at $36 for a 6-foot tree, $6 per foot for 9-foot trees and $7 per foot for trees taller than 9 feet. The family-owned business also offers live potted Southern cedars, Leyland cypress and Carolina sapphires. Ergle Christmas Tree Farm also sells five colors of Christmas cacti and offers concessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm at 14920 Swift Road, Dade City, opened on Nov. 24 and will remain open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lazy Lay Acres Farm allows families to cut down their own sand pines and red cedars. In addition, the farm ships Fraser firs from North Carolina and offers potted Leyland cypress trees and fresh-made wreaths. Kids can interact with the farm animals and take hay rides for $5 per person. Additionally, the farm offers candied apples, cotton candy, fresh-boiled peanuts and split firewood. Email jewellay@lazylayacres.com or call 352-567-6808.

Click here for other cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Florida.