Christmas Tree Farms In The Indianapolis Area: Your 2020 Guide

Indianapolis, IN — It may still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree this year — and to do it safely, even as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen across the region.

At least 25 million real Christmas trees are sold 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 coronavirus cases rise to ensure locals can take home a tree with minimal health and safety risk.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has released a 2020 guide full of recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree providers to follow. The guide advises sellers to frequently sanitize 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."

An onsite "COVID-19 coordinator" 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 in the Indianapolis area.

• Hilgert's Christmas Tree Farm
• Gore's Christmas Trees
• Nelson's Christmas Tree Farm
• Welch's Holiday Farm
• Piney Acres Farm
• Jay's Tree Farm
• Watts Christmas Tree Farm & Sparkle Shop
• Sambol's Tree Farm

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree takes a bit of patience and practice. Here are a few tips to remember, 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