As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America’s most beloved holiday traditions in 2020, it may still be possible to find the right Christmas tree for your family — and more importantly, do it safely.
At least 25 million real Christmas trees are sold each year across America, and currently, 350 million are growing in all 50 U.S. states. And despite these unprecedented times, the tree market is still up and running this year. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens to ensure locals can take home a tree with minimal health and safety risk.
In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has released a 2020 guide containing recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers to follow, including frequently sanitizing items such as hand saws and tree cart handles, as well as countertops, restrooms and other areas.
Tree lot operators and choose-and-cut farms “must protect the health and safety of their employees, provide customers with the confidence they need so they can enjoy selecting a tree without risk and demonstrate to state and local officials they are conducting business responsibly,” the association wrote in its guide.
Special signage and social-distancing rules are also being encouraged at the farms.
If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, see our selection of great tree farms within driving distance of East Nashville.