Hillsborough Christmas Tree Shopping Guide For 2020

Hillsborough, NJ — As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens a long list of 2020’s beloved holiday traditions, it might still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the ideal Christmas tree this year — and even more importantly, do it safely.

At least 25 million real Christmas trees are purchased 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 COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patrons can select their favorite tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

Tree lot operators and choose-and-cut farms "must protect the health and safety of their employees, provide customers with the confidence they need so they can enjoy selecting a tree without risk and demonstrate to state and local officials they are conducting business responsibly," the the National Christmas Tree Association wrote on its website this year.

In fact, the association has developed a 2020 guide full of 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. An onsite "COVID-19 coordinator" and personal protective equipment for employees are also being encouraged.

If a real Christmas tree is on your holiday wish list this season, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Hillsborough.

• Harris Farm
• Martin Family Tree Farm
• Bountiful Gardens
• Sigismondi Farms
• Stable Roots Farm
• Cherryville Farms
• Winterberry Christmas Tree Farm
• McLaughlin Tree Farm - Christmas Trees & Nursery
• Fairview Farm
• Wolgast Christmas Tree Farm

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