Christmas Trees Spruce Up the Upper West Side

By Robin Cohn

I was watching a toddler head to a little tree, arms wide. His mom cried “don’t hug the tree”— just as he did. Both toppled over. Not the mother, the little boy and the tree. Fortunately, the child didn’t cry when swooped up, although I heard tiny yelps coming from the tree.

The little tree hugger was not at a park, but on Columbus Avenue near 79th Street. His find was one of the hundreds of Christmas trees lining West Side sidewalks in netting bondage. Like caterpillars turning into butterflies, they become beautiful when released.

I met Miriam who manages the stand on the corner of Columbus Avenue and West 67th Street. The stand is family owned and has been on the same corner for years. Some other family-owned stands join them along the streets. This Canadian family sells trees from Canada (Balsams) and North Carolina (Frasier Furs.)

These trees are loved. Miriam’s face brightens as she talks about them. They bring about 500 trees to the 67th Street corner. Each one is individually trimmed before arrival. She says their personalities differ. She wants buyers to find a tree that sparks joy. She explained some customers fall in love instantly with a particular tree, making her happy. But there are times she doesn’t feel buyers have picked the right one and tactfully takes them to a better fit.

Trees range in size from two to 12 feet high. Miriam showed me a 12-foot, 300-pound tree going to a church, one of many delivered to churches. Trees also go to restaurants and apartment lobbies, as well as private homes and apartments. She stresses that the trees are living things and need water. One customer gave her a great tip: he keeps a humidifier by his tree. Miriam also reminds those buying big trees to check first to make sure they’ll fit in their apartment elevators.

Miriam is a Christmas-tree-corner local. Friends she’s made over the years walk by saying hello. Some stop and chat. The manager of the restaurant Maman runs out to give her and her helpers a bag of goodies. (Yes, he has one of her trees.) This is one cheerful corner.

I asked her the dreaded question: what happens if trees don’t sell after the Big Day. Her answer: she sells out before Christmas. In fact, they sold out three days before the event last year. Most New York trees begin their second life as mulch, she noted.

On Sunday, I watched a crowd of excited folks finding their special trees. They were treated to advice and a smile. Many bought beautiful wreaths. I forgot to ask Miriam if people bond with them. Children happily helped with the purchase process. The cute little trees looked out a bit warily, but were very pleased when chosen.

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