LAKE LUZERNE, NY — New York State Christmas tree farms contribute $13.8 million to the economy, a news release from the state department of agriculture announced. And New York ranks sixth in the U.S. for the number of acres dedicated to growing Christmas trees.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently visited River Bend Christmas Tree Farm in Lake Luzerne and cut down an eight-foot Canaan fir. It will be displayed at the Adirondack Welcome Center in Queensbury.

The tree-cutting promotes New York’s Christmas tree farms and is meant to encourage New Yorkers to shop at local agricultural businesses this holiday season. Local trees and handmade wreaths will be displayed in welcome centers statewide.

“New York State tree farms offer families a fun and safe way to celebrate the holiday season,” according to the release. There are 750 tree farms in the state.

The website pickyourownchristmastree.org notes that tree farms usually provide saws and other equipment for those who choose to cut down a tree. For a small fee, most farmers will cut the tree for you, and some do not let the buyer cut down the tree at all. The site suggests calling first to check.

Some farms will shake the tree to get rid of spiders, according to the website. Many farmers will wrap the tree and tie it to your car. But it’s good to bring rope, just in case.

“Thank you to Commissioner Richard Ball for cutting down the first New York State Christmas tree of the year at River Bend Christmas Tree Farm,” said Gene Knudsen, president of the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York.

“We are grateful and excited to welcome Commissioner Ball to cut the first Christmas tree of the season at River Bend,” said Jim Carpenter, owner of the tree farm. “Our family looks forward each year to helping families of every type celebrate the holidays in style with a real New York-grown Christmas tree.”

The list is from 2020, so call the farmer before you go, but here are some sources for local Christmas trees. Plus good care tips! http://sullivancce.org/agriculture/buy-local-sullivan-fresh/local-christmas-trees.