Looking For A Christmas Tree In The New Port Richey Area?

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL— As the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic and looks back on the hardship of last year’s holiday season — which involved a lot of social distancing — families in 2021 will reunite and hunt for the right Christmas tree.

Some 350 million are growing in all 50 U.S. states, and at least 25 million of them are cut and sold each year.

The American Christmas Tree Association advises shoppers to get a tree earlier than usual this year. The supply of trees will be tight due to supply chain delays and a poor growing season in the Pacific Northwest.

Is a real Christmas tree on your wish list this year? Here's a selection of trusted local farms near New Port Richey:

• Ergle Christmas Tree Farm, 3331 Treiman Blvd., Dade City is celebrating its 35th year in business. You can cut your own Florida pine and cedar Christmas trees. Trees are 6 to 9 feet tall and cost $6 per foot. The farm provides the saw, string and net.

Ergle also offers pre-cut North Carolina Fraser firs, Caanan firs and Fralsam Fir (a Fraser and balsam hybrid) from 6 to 12 feet tall, live potted Leyland cypress, cedar or Carolina sapphire trees from 3 to 9 feet tall, freshly made wreaths that can be custom ordered to size, unique holiday ornaments, gifts and decorations.

A concession stand on the property offers refreshments and freshly made kettle corn. Ergle's is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Sunkissed Christmas Trees at Frankie's Raw Bar, 4903 State Road 54, New Port Richey, offers fresh-cut Christmas trees, custom-made yard decor, handmade wreaths and festive table decor. Opening Friday, hours are 11 a.m. t0 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
• Al Keith & Sons Christmas Trees, 13630 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City, offers 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 p.m. Email alkeith42@aol.com.
• Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm, 14920 Swift Road, Dade City, offers choose-and-cut red cedar and sand pines, fresh-cut blue spruce and Fraser firs, potted Leyland cypress trees and fresh-made wreaths seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kids can interact with the farm animals and take hay rides for $5 per person. Additionally, the farm offers fresh-boiled peanuts and split firewood. and boiled peanuts and Email jewellay@lazylayacres.com or call 352-567-6808.
• Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm, 20638 Moreland Drive, Spring Hill, has choose-and-cut sand pines and red cedars, potted Carolina sapphire trees and wreaths. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Email blueacreschristmastrees@gmail.com or call 352-422-6375.

If you have a Christmas tree lot you want listed, send the information to dann.white@patch.com.

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree takes a bit of patience and practice. Here are a few things to remember, from the National Christmas Tree Association:

• What to know about fake Christmas trees
• Knowing the different types of real Christmas trees
• Tips on selecting a real tree
• Caring for your tree

SEE ALSO: Best Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your List 2021