Where To Find A Christmas Tree In 2020 Near Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg, MD — As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic threatens a long list of 2020’s well-loved holiday traditions, it should still be possible to hunt for the right Christmas tree 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 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to ensure buyers can take home their favorite tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has created a 2020 guide including recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree providers to follow, including frequently sanitizing items and areas such as hand saws, tree cart handles, countertops, door handles and restrooms.

"We highly encourage growers to use these recommendations to develop strategies to protect their workers and customers," the association said 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 touchless, paperless payment systems are also being encouraged at the farms.

Is a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year? Here's a selection of great local farms near Gaithersburg.

• Pine Valley Farms
• Whitehall Farms
• Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees
• DePaul's Urban Farm
• Meadows Farms Nurseries - Germantown
• Cox Farms
• Butler's Orchard
• Homestead Farm
• Greenway Christmas Tree Farms
• Meadows Farms Nurseries - Burtonsville

Want to get the most out of your real Christmas tree? It can take some patience, practice and good advice. Here are a few things 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