Christmas Tree Shopping Near Bethesda-Chevy Chase? Here's A Local Guide

Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD — It might still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree this year — and most importantly, to do it safely, even as the 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 amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic to ensure patrons can take home their perfect tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

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

In fact, the 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. Maximum head counts and social-distancing rules are also being encouraged.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list in 2020, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area.

• Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees
• Meadows Farms Nurseries - Burtonsville
• Meadows Farms Nurseries - Annandale
• Meadows Farms Nurseries - 7 Corners
• DePaul's Urban Farm
• The Home Depot
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation Clagett 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 remember, 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