Looking For A Christmas Tree Near San Mateo? Here's A Local Guide

San Mateo, CA — As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens a long list of 2020’s quintessential holiday traditions, it might still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the right Christmas tree this year — and do it safely.

Did you know that 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? During this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure buyers can take home their favorite tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has released a 2020 guide including recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree providers to follow. Sellers are advised to frequently sanitize 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 said on its website.

Maximum head counts and social-distancing rules are also being encouraged at the farms.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms within driving distance of San Mateo.

• Santas Tree Farm and Village
• 4-C's Christmas Tree Farm
• ABC Tree Farms
• Pick Of The Patch Pumpkins & ABC Tree Farms
• Balsam Hill
• Highway 92 Succulents
• ABC Tree Farms & Pick Of The Patch Pumpkins

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree can take some patience, practice and good advice. Here are a few things to note, courtesy of 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