Madison Christmas Tree Shopping Guide For 2020

Madison, NJ — It should still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree this year — and 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.. And despite these unprecedented times, the practice will continue this year. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens to ensure patrons can take home a tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has released 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.

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 association said in its guide.

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 Madison.

• Cerbo's Garden Center
• Knothe Country Farms
• Urban Garden Center
• Great Swamp Greenhouses
• Cedar Grove Christmas Trees
• Creekside Farm

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