Support Local Christmas Tree Shopping In Riverview Buying Real Trees

BLOOMINGDALE-RIVERVIEW, FL— As the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic and looks back on the hardship of last year’s holiday season — which involved a lot of social distancing — families in 2021 will reunite and begin the hunt for the ideal Christmas tree.

Some 350 million are growing in all 50 U.S. states, and at least 25 million of them are cut and sold each year.

Last year, the National Christmas Tree Association developed a guide including recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers to follow. They include frequently sanitizing items and areas such as hand saws, tree cart handles, counter-tops, door handles and restrooms.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this year, here's a selection of quality tree farms near Bloomingdale-Riverview:

• Mike's Christmas Trees, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Mike's offers premium, fresh-cut trees from Northern Michigan, fresh wreaths, swags and centerpiece handmade on site and free candy canes and coloring books for the kids.
• Dave's Christmas Tree Lot, 106 E. Lumsden Road, Brandon, offers a variety of freshly cut, affordable trees. Choose from Noble firs, Fraser firs, grand Firs, Douglas Firs and Scotch pines. poinsettias and wreaths also available. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit the website or call 813-843-8182.
• Green Mountain Christmas Trees, 9715 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, offers blue spruce, Douglas fires, Fraser firs, grand firs, noble firs and Scotch pines from tabletop size to 14 feet tall along with fresh poinsettias and wreaths. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

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, 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

SEE ALSO: Best Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your List 2021