Where To Find Christmas Trees In 2020 In The West Islip Area

West Islip, NY — As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic threatens a long list of 2020’s quintessential holiday traditions, it might still be possible to find the perfect Christmas tree for your family — and 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 during this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens to ensure locals can select a tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has circulated a new guide including recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers 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.

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 association said on its website.

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 West Islip area.

• Carter Christmas Tree Farm
• Sabia Tree Farm
• Egan Acres Tree Farm
• Lewin Farms
• Mike's Tree Farm
• Reynolds Farms Nurseries
• Elwood Pumpkin Farm
• Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
• Santas Christmas Tree Farm
• Romp Family Christmas Trees

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 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