Christmas Tree Shopping Near Mendham-Chester? Find Local Farms

Mendham-Chester, NJ — It may still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree this year — and most importantly, to do it safely, even as the coronavirus 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 tradition will continue this year. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as COVID-19 cases rise to ensure locals can select their perfect tree with minimal health and safety risk.

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 special 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. Maximum head counts and personal protective equipment for employees are also being encouraged.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, here's a selection of trusted local farms in the Mendham-Chester area.

• Great Swamp Greenhouses
• Granata's Nursery
• Plut's Christmas Tree Farm
• Fairview Farm
• Knothe Country Farms
• Cerbo's Garden Center
• Ralston Nurseries

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree takes a bit of patience and practice. Here are a few tips 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