It's A Good Idea To Get A Tree Early This Year, Supply Issues: Here's Where In Brandon

BRANDON, FL— As the U.S. 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 hunt for the ideal Christmas tree.

Did you know that some 350 million Christmas trees are growing in all 50 U.S. states, and 25 million are cut and purchased each year?

The American Christmas Tree Association advises shoppers to get a tree earlier than usual this year. The supply of trees will be tight due to supply chain delays and a poor growing season in the Pacific Northwest.

If a real Christmas tree is on your holiday wish list in 2020, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Brandon:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree takes a bit of patience and practice. Here are a few things to note, from 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