Christmas Tree Shopping Near Rancho Santa Margarita? Here's A Local Guide

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — It may still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree in 2020 — and most importantly, to do it safely, even as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen across the region.

At least 25 million real Christmas trees are purchased 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 holiday season. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure buyers can select a tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

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 the National Christmas Tree Association said on its website this year.

In fact, the association has released a special guide full of recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree providers to follow. The guide advises sellers to frequently sanitize items such as hand saws and tree cart handles, as well as countertops, restrooms and other areas.

Is a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year? See our selection of trusted tree farms in the Rancho Santa Margarita area.

• Peltzer Pines - Silverado
• The Vineyard 1924
• Sand Haven Pines
• The Wickerd Farm
• Purdy Tree Farms
• Peltzer Pines Christmas Tree Farm
• Tanaka Farms
• Bennett's Best Christmas Trees & Pumpkins
• Olympic Christmas Trees
• Farmakis Farms

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree can take some patience, practice and good advice. Here are a few tips to remember, according to the National Christmas Tree Association:

• What to know about fake Christmas trees
• Knowing the different types of real Christmas trees
• Tips on selecting a real tree
• Caring for your tree
• Christmas tree safety
• How to recycle your tree