Christmas Tree Shopping Near Bay Shore? Find Local Farms

Bay Shore, NY — It may still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree this holiday season — and most importantly, to do it safely, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen across the region.

Did you know that 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 patrons can select their ideal tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has created a new 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 at the farms.

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 within driving distance of Bay Shore.

• Elwood Pumpkin Farm
• Dee's Nursery & Florist the Inc
• Hicks Nurseries
• Carter Christmas Tree Farm
• Reynolds Farms Nurseries

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 know, 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