Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I ended up buying a 6-7' tree from 14th st garden (wanted to support the local business). Ran me $70 (another $30 if you want same day delivery). Great quality tree, only gripe is that they did not cut the base completely flat so having a hard time keeping the tree for tipping over. My base is clearly not the best either...

I remember last year Home Depot & Lowe's had real trees for like 19.99 & it was early in december so they weren't old trees. I haven't seen them for those prices yet.

West Side Avenue Dairy Queen, if I'm staying in town to find the tree. Got a really nice Douglas fir there a few years ago. 7', $45 IIRC.

Usually go out to tree farms in western NJ and saw one down ourselves.

I have to say, I was a little surprised by the disparaging "shady" remark. Those "all trees same price" operations may not be very polished and fancy, but the guys working there are always working hard, sometimes in very cold temperatures, and they have always been very polite and proper in how they go about their work. I have bought trees from those guys on many occasions and have always ended up with good, healthy trees that make it all the way to January 6 in very good shape.

You should get your tree anywhere you'd like, but I'd rather give my money to that "shady" entrepreneur trying to make a living than to a horrible suburban blight-monster like Home Depot.

Yes, we can even turn Christmas trees into a debate on JCList.

2nd on Home Depot. I bought a 6' tree for $30. Way better than going to a shady pop-up location.

got ours from 14th st garden center last night. selection looked great. we got a very beautiful, full 4foot-ish for $40. they trim as needed and bag to load easily into the car.

Not very festive, but we've done Home Depot for several years and have received quality trees for a reasonable price.

Anyone have recommendations where to pick up a good Christmas tree in Downtown JC area? Trying to balance quality and affordability. Thanks everyone and happy holidays!