Long Branch-Eatontown Christmas Tree Shopping Guide For 2020

Long Branch-Eatontown, NJ — As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America's most quintessential holiday traditions in 2020, it should still be possible to take your family on a hunt for the ideal Christmas tree this year — and 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. And during this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens to ensure locals can take home their perfect tree with minimal risk to their 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 said 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 developed a 2020 guide containing 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 touchless, paperless payment systems 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 within driving distance of Long Branch-Eatontown.

• Sigismondi Farms
• Stable Roots Farm
• Romp Family Christmas Trees
• Harris Farm
• Conover's Farm Christmas Tree Farm
• Wolgast Christmas Tree Farm
• Anne Ellen Christmas Tree Farm
• Oak Hill Farms
• McLaughlin Tree Farm - Christmas Trees & Nursery
• Chesterfield Christmas Trees

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree 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