It's Not Too Late to Find a Christmas Tree in Lindy

Christmas is right around the corner, and while some residents will decorate an artificial tree this year to bring a little of the Christmas spirit indoors, still others will once again embark on their annual search for just the right, freshly cut tree to decorate in their homes.

And they would have to search no further than their own community since Lindenhurst offers several places where residents could find everything needed to spruce up their homes for the holidays: ornaments, wreaths, Nativity scenes and, of course, the trees, from table-top to eight-footers.

So Lindenhurst Patch went to several to get some tips and learn whatthe best-selling trees this year are.

Vinny Larson of on Route 109 believes the Fraser Fir, from North Carolina, is the way to go, calling the species the "Cadillac of Christmas trees."

These trees are generally seven to eight feet tall, and are a better bet than the Balsam Fir trees out of Canada, he said.

"It's the best tree money can buy," Larson said about the Fraser. "It doesn't dry out, and you can keep it for weeks in your house as long as you keep water in it. A Balsam has a tendency to dry up."

Larson added that the local sanitation department (town or village) will remove residents' trees once the holidays are done, if left out at the curb on designated days.

Bill Fiedler, of on Montauk Highway, said he also sells premium Frasers, and offers free local delivery.

"No Charlie Brown [trees] here," he noted, with a smile.

The across from on Sunrise Highway offers a selection of trees and ornaments for the holidays - even Hanukkah flags to go along with folks' menorahs.

Owner Joe Tota said the holiday decor business is doing fine.

"People have been spending and buying fresh trees, [switching] back from artificial trees," Tota said. "They seem to go back to a fresh tree in hard times to get more of the Christmas spirit."

Armed with these tips, residents will hopefully be able to rustle up a tree through all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

And to make the tree-shopping experience a bit eaiser, check out the following list of Lindy nurseries. The clock is ticking...and it's tough to put Christmas gifts under a tree that isn't there. Ho ho ho!

• , 149 Sunrise Highway: Offers trees from $20 to $50 to $60 for bigger ones, plus a selection of Nativity scenes and ornaments - along with a personal touch, unlike the big chains, according to the owners.

• Village Florist, 421 West Montauk Highway: Owner Bill Fiedler said he'll put his trees up against anyone's. Offers free local delivery with trees ranging from $45 to $85.

• , 610 Route 109: Has everything from table-top trees at $29.95 to top-of-the-line Fraser firs at $65 to $70. Will deliver, cut and help tie down your trees. And Santa will be there December 17 and 18, starting at 9 a.m. both days for photos, according to the owners. Coloring books will also be given out both days, they added.

Editor's Note: Check the for opportunities to give back, and the column - along with the weekly roundup - for a look at celebrating the holidays in Lindenhurst, plus a look at other pertinent information residents need to know this season.

In addition, if you're having or know of an event or fundraiser this holiday season, then please e-mail barbara.loehr@patch.com and/or post it in events on Lindenhurst Patch.

And don't forget: Learn how you could win some serious cash for Lindenhurst Public Schools just by decorating your house for the holiday season this year: