Parkville-Overlea Christmas Tree Farm Guide For 2020

Parkville-Overlea, MD — As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America's most quintessential holiday traditions in 2020, it may still be possible to hunt for the right Christmas tree — and even more importantly, do it safely.

Did you know that at least 25 million real Christmas trees are sold each year across America, and currently, 350 million are growing in all 50 U.S. states? During this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to ensure patrons can take home a tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

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

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

• Gunpowder Tree Farm
• A Snowball's Chance Tree Farm
• Payne Christmas Trees
• Scottish Rite of Free Masonry
• Davidson Tree Farm
• Thomas Tree Farm
• Valley View Farms
• Feezers Christmas Tree Farm
• Fritz Farm & Nursery

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 note, 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