Looking For A Christmas Tree In The Bloomingdale-Riverview Area? Find Local Farms

Bloomingdale-Riverview, FL — As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America's most quintessential holiday traditions in 2020, it might still be possible to find the perfect Christmas tree for your family this year — and most importantly, do it safely.

At least 25 million real Christmas trees are purchased each year across the U.S., and currently, 350 million are growing in all 50 states.. During this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as COVID-19 cases rise to ensure shoppers can take home a tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has created a 2020 guide full of 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. Maximum head counts and personal protective equipment for employees are also being encouraged.

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 in its guide.

If a real Christmas tree is on your holiday wish list this season, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Bloomingdale-Riverview.

• Tampa Bay Farmers Market
• Great Lakes Christmas Tree Farms
• Dave's Christmas Tree Lot
• Gallagher's Pumpkins & Christmas Trees
• Hydro Harvest Farms

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, from 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