MIDDLETOWN, N.Y – While some consumers prefer to save money and recycle artificial Christmas trees, eighth-generation farmer Carolyn Pierson said she and her family have been working year-round to meet the demand for natural ones. 

New York state ranks fourth in the nation in the number of tree farms, accounting for nearly $14 million a year, according to the Department of Agriculture.

There are nearly 875 tree farms across the state, accounting for nearly 19,000 acres.