Where To Get A Live Christmas Tree In Clearwater

CLEARWATER, FL — If you’re planning to put up a live Christmas tree this year, it’s a good idea to scope out what will be available from Pinellas County Christmas tree lots.

Seasonal Christmas tree lots, some supporting nonprofit groups, churches and schools, can be found throughout Pinellas County.

Christmas Tree Lots

Among them, Northstar Wisconsin Christmas Trees has been serving families in Pinellas County for more than 30 years. Now at a new location at 12949 66th St. N, Largo, Northstar is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Salzman family has been making the 1,400-mile journey from their farm in Fall River, Wisconsin, to Pinellas County to sell live Christmas trees every year since 1982. In addition to offering fresh-cut Wisconsin Fraser firs and North Carolina Fraser firs from tabletop trees to 15 feet tall, the Salzmans offer tree delivery and set-up, tree stands, fresh handmade wreaths, garland, porch pots, swags as well as a favorite mainstay — fresh apple cider from Wisconsin.

Tree Brothers Christmas is open at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa, the Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N Racetrack Road, Oldsmar, and The Grove At Wesley Chapel behind the new Starbucks. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Gallagher's Pumpkins and Christmas Trees at 7401 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. With its refurbished antique pickup truck and lot decorated with an assortment of poinsettias and other seasonal flowers, wreaths and garland, it also makes a great backdrop for family holiday photos.

Tree Brothers Christmas is located at 18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa, at Keystone Prep High School, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and at the Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 N Racetrack Road, Oldsmar.

Live trees are also available for purchase at Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Home Depot, Walmart and even at some grocery stores. Click here to find the nearest location.

Cut Your Own Tree

The most popular Christmas trees for cutting and decorating for the holidays simply don't grow in Florida's humid environment and inhospitable soil, including the Fraser fir, the Douglas fir, the balsam fir, Scotch pine and blue spruce.

Most of these trees are grown in the five top Christmas tree-producing states — Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

However, it's not impossible to start a family tradition and cut your own tree in Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there are 17 tree farms in Florida where residents can cut their own Christmas tree, which include Southern red cedar, Virginia pine, sand pine, spruce pine and Leyland cypress in Florida.

Christmas tree harvesting does not upset the ecology because more trees are planted than harvested each year and, while growing, Christmas trees provide environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat and increased soil stability.

The Florida Department of Agriculture said purchasing a homegrown Florida tree is also good for the environment because less fuel is used in transportation and it supports the farmers of the state.

This year the Florida Forest Service is inviting residents to start a new family tradition by cutting a sand pine tree at the annual Sand Pine Christmas Tree Sale starting Nov. 27. Trees will be harvested along School Bus Road on the Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest in Frostproof in Polk County.

Trees are available for $10 and will require a special use permit available from the Florida Forest Service office. Anyone interested will need to bring their own handsaw. Power saws are not allowed. Sand pines 15 feet or less in height can be harvested.

The Florida Forest Service is hosting a free event on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLean Cabin Day Use Area on School Bus Road. There will be a scavenger hunt, wildfire equipment to see, nature crafts and a special visit from Smokey Bear.

Contact Nathan Bartosek at 863-589-0528 or the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest office at 863-589-0545.

Blue Acres Christmas Tree Farm, 20638 Moreland Drive, Spring Hill, is open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The farm will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. The family-owned tree farm specializes in Florida native Carolina sapphires, Southern red cedars and Sand Pines. The farm provides bow saws to cut the trees and no reservations are required. Blue Acres also sells fresh-cut handmade Fraser fir wreaths, raw honey and seasoned firewood by the trunk load for $20 for up to 45 pieces. Military and first responders with identification will receive $5 off any tree. Email blueacreschristmastrees@gmail.com or call 352-422-6375.

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm, 3325 Trieman Blvd., Dade City, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The farm offers cut-your-own long-needle pine and Southern cedar trees as well as Northern imports including Fraser firs and Bal Fra (a hybrid balsam and Fraser fir). Cut-your-own field-grown trees are priced at $36 for a 6-foot tree, $6 per foot for 9-foot trees and $7 per foot for trees taller than 9 feet. The family-owned business also offers live potted Southern cedars, Leyland cypress and Carolina sapphires. Ergle Christmas Tree Farm also sells five colors of Christmas cacti and offers concessions on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lazy Lay Acres Christmas Tree Farm at 14920 Swift Road, Dade City, is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lazy Lay Acres Farm allows families to cut down their own sand pines and red cedars. In addition, the farm ships Fraser firs from North Carolina and offers potted Leyland cypress trees and fresh-made wreaths. Kids can interact with the farm animals and take hay rides for $5 per person. Additionally, the farm offers candied apples, cotton candy, fresh-boiled peanuts and split firewood. Email jewellay@lazylayacres.com or call 352-567-6808.

Click here for other cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Florida.