Christmas Tree Shopping In The Mentor Area? Find Local Farms

Mentor, OH — 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 coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen across the region.

Did you know that 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 COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patrons can take home their ideal tree with minimal risk to their health and safety.

In fact, the National Christmas Tree Association has created a special guide with recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree providers to follow, including frequently sanitizing 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.

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 wrote on its website.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, here's a selection of trusted local farms near Mentor.

• Shawnee Trail Tree Farm
• Sugar Pines Farm
• Flower Family Tree farm
• Wintergreen Tree Farm
• Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm
• J & L Country Market
• Medina Christmas Tree Farm
• Heritage Farms
• Raley's Tree Farms
• Swan Farm

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree takes a bit of patience and practice. 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