Welcome back to my New York Holiday Tree Trek Spectacular!
So rarely does the smell of fresh pine get to waft through a New York City apartment. Real pine scent that is, not the kind that comes from a can or candle. While it is possible in November and December to buy a tree on many a corner in the midst of the city, I prefer a different path.
It’s longer and takes a great deal more planning, but carrying a freshly cut tree through mass transit is a joyful holiday adventure I’m starting to look forward to every year.
Tools you will need:
SAW: takes longer than a chainsaw, but with much less chance of adding an arm or leg to your holiday budget (if you don’t have one of your own, these are generally rentable for a small fee at the farm)
GLOVES: not just for blisters, but those tiny pine needles are poky and theoretically you’re planning to carry this most of the way home
LONG SLEEVES: please see above comment on poky pine needles, shouldn’t be a problems in wintertime
PROPER COAT: don’t risk pine sap and rips on your expensive “nice” winter coat, wear something durable you can clean or something you don’t mind getting dirty
LAYERS: being a lumberjack is sweaty work, even in the cold you might want to shed a layer or two
CASH: most tree farms are a cash-only business, even if they aren’t, why risk it?
HAT: optional, depends on how cold it is
A FRIEND: optional, it is possible to do this solo by hiring a taxi/uber from the nearest station, having strong muscles, and being willing to ask strangers to take your photo (also optional)
Unless you’re grabbing one of the pre-cut jobbies from the front of the lot (unlikely, that’s why you’re out here after all) you’ll probably take a tractor ride out to the tree fields. It will be bumpy and might be crowded. Be careful where you put your saw. Under your seat is best, but make sure you don’t forget it.
Your tree will be wrapped before you leave. Check that the string is secure, you don’t want the branches to fluff out while on the subway. You will not be able to tuck them back in, trust me.
I have researched this very thoroughly. There is no rule on the LIRR that says you can’t bring a tree as your luggage. Do be courteous to your fellow humans and plan for times when the commuter crowd won’t be there. The last thing you want is to bring a tree to rush hour.
This might seem obvious but don’t forget you brought a tree on the train. Especially if you’re a frequent train-traveler, you might automatically move towards the exit with your usual bag and leave your tree in the luggage rack.
Commuter rules hold for Penn Station. It’s just better when you aren’t swimming upstream. While some people will be aware you have a giant tree and avoid you, too many will not see what they don’t expect and run into you. Then blame you for it. Don’t be a stooge and be aware of everyone else as well as the foliage.
There may be stairs. Given the frequency with which the MTA elevators aren’t working, there more than likely will be stairs. Be prepared, take it slow, and let others go in front of you.
Most New Yorkers could care less about what goes on in the subway. Seriously, I once saw somebody juggling colored rats. Primary colors. In other words, keep to yourself and you most people won’t even notice you have a tree.
Don’t have a contact in the area? No worries!
Lewin Farms is a 15min drive from the Long Island Rail Road Manorville Station, and a 10min drive from the Hampton Jitney Calverton Terminal. Be kind and bring a tarp, plastic sheet, or even a couple large garbage bags to keep the needles from spreading in the trunk.
Check their website for this year’s dates when you can pick your own tree, pumpkins, apples, have other farm fun, and their current prices.
Read about last year’s Tree Spectacular in 2015