Christmas Tree Shopping In The Athens Area? Here's A Local Guide

Athens, GA — As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America's most well-loved holiday traditions in 2020, it could still be possible to find the perfect Christmas tree for your family — and do it safely.

Did you know that 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 the coronavirus pandemic worsens to ensure locals can take home a tree with minimal health and safety risk.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has developed a 2020 guide with recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers 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 in its guide.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, here's a selection of trusted tree farms near Athens.

• Berry's Christmas Tree Farm
• Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm
• Southern Belle Farm
• Thompson's Tree Farm
• Kinsey Family Farm & Plant Nursery
• 7 G's Farm
• Randy's Christmas Tree Farm
• Jacks Creek Farms
• Cooper's Tree Farm
• Yule Forest

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree takes 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