The Boys are Back in Town: R&R Christmas Trees Back For Another Season At Hiram's

Standing alongside an ever-changing landscape there sits a remnant of memory of what this once small town was: . And for the second year, standing in Hiram's picnic area is R&R Christmas Trees, owned and operated by two local boys--John Riedel and Dave Rosenberg. 

If going to Hiram's is like going to your high school reunion everytime you walk through the door, then R&R Trees is like going to that great high school party. Walking through the gate, Riedel and Rosenberg are the quintessential hosts of the party. They'll regale you with stories, give you some great laughs, and probably offer you something to eat.

It seems that there's still the tradition of people coming home to Fort Lee this time of year. Whether it's to visit family, or to share their experience of what it meant to grow up in the small town saddled by the arch of the bridge with their own children, you're bound to see someone you know who you haven't seen in years. And you're bound to see them here.

But let's talk trees. There's a beautiful assortment of trees that cost about $10 per foot. Although they carry balsams, their tree of choice is the Fraser fir, and you'll find a wide variety of shapes and sizes throughout the lot.

"Frasers are the heartiest of all the trees," Riedel said. "I call them the Babe Ruths of the Christmas trees."

Fraser firs have a natural Christmas tree shape, glossy dark-green foliage, strong branches that easily support ornaments, pleasing aroma, and excellent needle retention.

All the trees in the lot are from North Carolina where Frasers are native to the soil.

Once again, Riedel and Rosenberg have set up a toy donation area to benefit "Strengthen Our Sisters." Riedel is pleased that donations this early in the season have already exceeded the amount donated by the same time last year. Toy donations are being accepted through Christmas.

R&R Trees will also deliver and set up your tree.

Special to Fort Lee Patch readers, Riedel and Rosenberg have offered FREE delivery to any Fort Lee address if you mention that you've read this article!  

Santa will be visiting the lot Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3:30 p.m. so bring the kids.

As Rosenberg says, "Come by for a dog and a tree, or a tree and a dog."

"Because dogs and trees always go well together," Riedel added.

R&R Trees is open daily through Christmas 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

R&R Trees is located in the picnic area of Hiram's on Palisade Ave.