Christmas Tree Shopping In The SoHo-Little Italy Area? Find Local Farms

SoHo-Little Italy, NY — As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens some of America's most iconic holiday traditions in 2020, it may still be possible to take your family on a hunt for the ideal Christmas tree — and even more importantly, do it safely.

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 COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patrons can take home their perfect tree with minimal risk to their family's health and safety.

"We highly encourage growers to use these recommendations to develop strategies to protect their workers and customers," the the National Christmas Tree Association said on its website this year, and "wholesale growers should share the recommendations for tree lots with their customers. Having a COVID-19 plan for your business is an imperative."

In fact, the association has created a special 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 social-distancing rules are also being encouraged.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this season, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms within driving distance of SoHo-Little Italy.

• NYC Trees
• Greenpoint Trees
• Tree Riders NYC
• Romp Family Christmas Trees
• Anthony Gallo Landscaping & Nursery
• Urban Garden Center

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