Even before Thanksgiving, a significant number of Christmas tree vendors began appearing throughout New York City, flouting a seldom-enforced city law. This law, established back in 1938, forbids the sale of trees on sidewalks until December.
Despite the ruling, various vendors have been selling spruce, balsam, and fir trees in considerable amounts across the city since November.
The NYC Tree Lady, managed by Heather Neville, has set up shop on the Upper East Side and Astor Place, starting sales well before Thanksgiving. A representative confirmed that all six outdoor spots were operational by the end of November.
Meanwhile, Greg’s Trees, another well-known Christmas tree seller, announced on November 23 that there were no waits for outdoor sales in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side.
Soho Trees has also joined in, making their way through different neighborhoods like Tribeca and Greenwich Village, showcasing trees at various locations including a main site on Varick Street.
Officials from the city’s Sanitation Department stated that they are focused on enforcing street vending laws, particularly in cases involving unsanitary conditions and safety risks. Claims of illegal vending that obstruct sidewalks and entrances are also on the radar, even if tree sales have largely gone unchecked this season. Interestingly, a single complaint regarding tree sales on Flatbush Avenue led to a citation on November 21, highlighting how enforcement can sometimes be reactive.
Historically, most complaints about tree sales occur after the holiday season, around January and February, when discarded trees start to clutter streets and sidewalks. The Department of Transportation has emphasized that maintaining clear paths for pedestrians is essential, and they will investigate any reports of obstruction.
The so-called Christmas Tree Law was originally set in motion by Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia, who required tree vendors to have licenses—something that proved challenging. The law stipulates that sellers are allowed to display and sell coniferous trees on sidewalks only during December, along with certain permissions for vendors of other seasonal branches during specific months.
However, there are still some areas throughout the city that remain off-limits for tree vendors, and these spots include parts of Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn and Fresh Pond Road in Queens, among others.
