Saratoga Christmas Tree Shopping Guide For 2020

Saratoga, CA — As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America's most quintessential holiday traditions in 2020, it should still be possible to find the ideal Christmas tree for your family — and most 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. During this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as COVID-19 cases rise to ensure patrons can take home their favorite tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has created a new 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 wrote on its website.

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 Saratoga.

• Black Road Christmas Tree Farms
• Jim and Vicky's Tree Farm
• ABC Tree Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkins - Temp. CLOSED
• SummerWinds Nursery - Campbell
• ABC Tree Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkin - Temp. CLOSED
• Sunset Tree Farm
• Pick of the Patch Pumpkins & ABC Tree Farms
• SummerWinds Nursery - Cupertino
• Lone Star Tree Farm

Want to get the most out of your real Christmas tree? It can take a bit of patience and practice. Here are a few things to know, 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