Christmas Tree Farms In The Gary Area: Your 2020 Guide

Gary, IN — It should still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree this holiday season — and to do it safely, even as the ongoing coronavirus 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 in 2020. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens to ensure patrons can select a tree with minimal health and safety risk.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has created a new guide full of recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers to follow, including frequently sanitizing items such as hand saws and tree cart handles, as well as countertops, restrooms and other areas.

"We highly encourage growers to use these recommendations to develop strategies to protect their workers and customers," the association wrote on its website, and "wholesale growers should share the recommendations for tree lots with their customers. Having a COVID-19 plan for your business is an imperative."

Maximum head counts and touchless, paperless payment systems are also being encouraged at the farms.

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

• Ivy's Christmas Trees
• Chicago Christmas Tree Lots
• Crosswind Farms
• City Tree Chicago Christmas Tree Delivery
• See Portfolio
• Hensler Nursery
• Puckerville Farms
• Bengtson Christmas Tree Farm
• Poor Bob's Tree Land
• Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm

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