Mom and pop businesses that sell fresh Christmas trees on Long Island say their bottom lines are being hit hard by big retail chains.

Christmas cheer is on full display at Papa's Family Farm in Central Islip, but there's something missing this year: Christmas trees.

Janice Papa and her family have sold trees for more than 45 years. The tradition had to come to an end this year because Papa says they can't compete with big-box stores and online retailers.

Papa's isn't the only business feeling the pinch.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, part of the problem stems from a shortage of trees. It can take about a decade to grow a full-sized tree.

In 2008, at the height of the recession, many growers planted fewer trees.

Many people who spoke with News 12 say they use artificial trees because they can be reused each year. And those who do buy live trees say they purchase them from big-box stores like Home Depot.

While Papa's still sells wreaths and other decorations, Janice Papa says she's unsure if she'll be able to sell Christmas trees again.