Looking For A Christmas Tree In The Germantown Area? Here's A Local Guide

Germantown, MD — It should still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree in 2020 — 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 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 COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patrons can select their favorite tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has circulated a special guide including recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers 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.

"It is likely that Christmas will have a greater significance for many in 2020 as we seek to offset the disruption of normalcy from COVID-19 with a family-oriented holiday experience," the association said in its guide. "However, shopping for a Christmas tree, the iconic centerpiece of the holiday, will be a different experience this year as the risks from COVID-19 must be taken seriously."

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 Germantown area.

• Meadows Farms Nurseries - Germantown
• DePaul's Urban Farm
• Greenway Christmas Tree Farms
• Whitehall Farms
• Homestead Farm
• Creekview Christmas Trees
• Butler's Orchard
• Cox Farms
• Pine Valley Farms
• A Snowball's Chance Tree Farm

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