Where To Find Christmas Trees In 2020 Near Five Towns

Five Towns, NY — It could still be possible to take your family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree in 2020 — and most importantly, to do it safely, even as the ongoing 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 tree market is still up and running this year. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic to ensure buyers can take home a tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

"It is likely that Christmas will have a greater significance for many in 2020 as we seek to offset the disruption of normalcy from COVID-19 with a family-oriented holiday experience," the the National Christmas Tree Association said on its website this year. "However, shopping for a Christmas tree, the iconic centerpiece of the holiday, will be a different experience this year as the risks from COVID-19 must be taken seriously."

In fact, the association has developed a 2020 guide full of recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree providers to follow. The guide advises sellers to frequently sanitize items such as hand saws and tree cart handles, as well as countertops, restrooms and other areas. An onsite "COVID-19 coordinator" and personal protective equipment for employees are also being encouraged.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms within driving distance of Five Towns.

• Ergle Christmas Tree Farm
• Hydro Harvest Farms
• Dave's Christmas Tree Lot
• Great Lakes Christmas Tree Farms
• Tampa Bay Farmers Market

Want to get the most out of your real Christmas tree? It can take some patience, practice and good advice. Here are a few tips to remember, 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