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Tree Lots Ready To Help Locals Deck The Halls

By SHERRI LONON IN THE LOOP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2008

Central Pasco County residents on the hunt for real Christmas trees don't have to drive too far. As the holiday season makes itself known, lots catering to their needs are springing up on corners and keeping hours designed to meet the demands for everything from Scotch pines to Fraser firs.

"Fraser firs are the most popular," said Lisa Weiss, who mans a lot on the corner of State Road 54 and Catfish Lake Road. "White pines are also popular."

Weiss' lot is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and will remain so through Christmas. Trees at that lot start at $49.95 and go up. Varieties carried include the popular Frasers and white pines, Scotch pines, blue spruces and more.

"Every tree here is handpicked," said Weiss.

Weiss said her favorite tree is the white pine. Known for its soft and full needles, the shapely white pine cannot hold heavy ornaments, she said, but looks spectacular with light-weight decorations.

The lot's owners, Tina and Lou Destino, are known for employing high school students to help out with the trees and deliveries. "These kids depend on the tips for their Christmas money," explained Weiss.

In addition to the lot in Land O' Lakes, the family also runs lots in Carrollwood at Gaither High School and also in Town 'N Country.

Not too far away from the Catfish Lake Road lot residents will find another place to peruse trees. Located at 25244 Wesley Chapel Blvd. is a lot that specializes in Fraser firs. Trees there start at $39.99 and go up to about $79.99.

According to Phil Collins, who mans the lot, its trees are kept in water from the time they arrive and are misted several times daily to ensure the freshest needles possible. In addition to trees, the lot also carries poinsettias and firewood.

The lot is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and will remain so "all the way through the evening of the 25th," Collins said. Limited local area delivery is available.

Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com.

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