Burke Christmas Tree Shopping Guide For 2020

Burke, VA — 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 sold each year across America, and currently, 350 million are growing in all 50 U.S. states. And during this unprecedented year, Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions as COVID-19 cases rise to ensure locals can select their perfect tree with minimal risk to their 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 wrote 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 released a special guide containing recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers to follow, including frequently sanitizing items such as hand saws and tree cart handles, as well as countertops, restrooms and other areas. Special signage and touchless, paperless payment systems are also being encouraged.

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

• Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees
• DePaul's Urban Farm
• Cox Farms
• Harlan Tree Farm
• Homestead Farm
• Evergreen Acres
• Whitehall Farms
• Creekview Christmas Trees
• Meadows Farms Nurseries - Annandale
• Almost Heavenly Christmas Trees

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