Greg's Trees Brings the Holiday Spirit to NYC

Greg’s Trees was established by Greg Walsh in College Point, Queens 34 years ago. In the early 1980’s, Greg noticed a saddening trend; big box stores selling Christmas trees assembly-line style. One autumn day, Greg was seated next to his young son on a hayride through an apple orchard. It occurred to Greg that for the smiling people around him, this orchard was more than a produce vendor; it was a seasonal destination. It sparked an idea: why not create a holiday center in New York City that would make buying a Christmas tree a magical and memorable experience? That vision led Walsh open Greg’s Trees in College Point and then expand to spacious locations in Astoria at Bohemian Hall and Brooklyn on 7th Avenue, Greenwood Park and McCarren Park. New locations this year include The Springs in Greenpoint, ABC Playground on Houston + Essex and Essex Market.

Every year right around Thanksgiving, Greg's creative team transforms each one of these parks and beer gardens into vibrant winter wonderlands. Besides the myriad lights and decorations, there are hand-painted character cutouts to poke one's head through, a wreath-making station, candy, Melissa and Doug Toys and a giant sleigh where Santa Claus (who from certain angles looks like Greg) holds court on weekends. Of course, none of this would matter if the Christmas trees were not top quality. All year, Greg works closely with growers in Quebec and the Blue Ridge Mountains, ensuring that the tree farms are green and sustainable, and that every tree sold at Greg's is fresh and gorgeous. Greg meets everyone he works with and travels to North Carolina, Oregon and as far as Canada to maintain relationships with growers ensuring that the best selection will be there for him year after year.

Greg works as a special education teacher by day and loves what he does. He encourages visitors to spend quality time at each location as a winter retreat. He wants families to enjoy their time and also not get ripped off. Greg has the best tree variety in NYC with a vast selection of Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, Nordmann Fir, Balsam Fir and the exquisite new Silver Fir Trees.

Greg uses the extra money for his son's college tuition and gives back to a school in Cambodia. On a typical week day, Greg works his teaching job till 3pm and then starts on the BQE and travels to Williamsburg, Park Slope and to the Lower East Side visiting every tree stand. He wants to make sure his employees have what they need daily and considers them all family. Additionally, he and his team create tree branch bundles for local restaurants and to give to the elderly for decor. They also give to florists and don't throw anything away. They make their own wreaths as well, which set them apart from others.

You can purchase a tree beginning on November 22nd at all locations. If you're looking for a specific or a grand tree you can also preorder on their website. For more information, https://gregstrees.com/