Christmas Tree Shopping In The Port Washington Area? Find Local Farms

Port Washington, NY — It may 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 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.. During this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic to ensure shoppers can take home a tree with minimal health and safety risk.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has developed 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. An onsite "COVID-19 coordinator" and social-distancing rules are also being encouraged.

"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 association said in its guide. "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."

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this season, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms in the Port Washington area.

• Egan Acres Tree Farm
• Anthony Gallo Landscaping & Nursery
• Reynolds Farms Nurseries
• Hicks Nurseries
• Urban Garden Center

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, 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