Celebrate NY Holidays with Locally Grown Christmas Trees

By Blake Jackson

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently led the 10th annual tree-cutting tradition at Bell’s Christmas Trees, a NYS Grown & Certified farm in Accord, New York.

This year, a 9-foot Fralsam Fir, a Fraser-Balsam hybrid, was selected and will be displayed at the Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center throughout December, welcoming visitors during the busiest travel and shopping season.

The annual event highlights New York’s $14 million Christmas tree industry and encourages residents and visitors to shop locally for holiday trees, gifts, and seasonal treats.

“Our annual tree-cutting tradition is not only a great way to kick off the holiday season, but it’s also a chance to remind New Yorkers of the high-quality, home-grown products they can purchase to celebrate the holidays while supporting New York State’s top-notch and diverse agricultural industry,” Commissioner Ball said.

“I encourage everyone looking for the perfect Christmas tree or gift to shop local this year in support of their neighbors and this important agricultural sector.”

The ceremony included representatives from Ulster County, the Town of Rochester, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster and Sullivan Counties, the Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center, and the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, along with Brian Bell and his family, owners of Bell’s Christmas Trees.

During the celebration, the farm’s membership in the New York State Grown & Certified program was also recognized. Bell’s is one of 46 certified tree farms in New York, all of which adhere to sustainable environmental practices.

Located between the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskill foothills, Bell’s Christmas Trees has grown into one of the largest choose-and-cut farms in the Hudson Valley. The farm opens the day after Thanksgiving and offers 12 tree varieties, potted trees for planting, handmade wreaths, and a gift shop featuring local products such as maple syrup and honey.

The selected tree will be decorated with a NYS Grown & Certified topper, unveiled on December 8, and displayed at the Welcome Center to promote local tree purchases.

In addition, all New York State Welcome Centers and Taste NY Markets will feature state-grown trees or wreaths this holiday season, alongside a wide range of local food, craft beverages, and gift items. For more information, visit bellschristmastrees.com or taste.ny.gov.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nathaniel-young