Land O' Lakes Christmas Tree Shopping Guide For 2020

Land O' Lakes, FL — As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic threatens some of America's most quintessential holiday traditions in 2020, it could still be possible to find the right Christmas tree for your family — and more importantly, do it safely.

At least 25 million real Christmas trees are purchased each year across America, and currently, 350 million are growing in all 50 U.S. states. And despite these unprecedented times, the practice will continue this year. Christmas tree lots and choose-and-cut farms nationwide are taking precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure locals can take home their ideal tree with minimal risk to their family's 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 said 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 created a special guide including recommendations and best practices for Christmas tree sellers to follow. The guide advises sellers to frequently sanitize 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.

If a real Christmas tree is on your wish list this season, here is a selection of some of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Land O' Lakes.

• See Portfolio
• See Portfolio
• A's Toy Soldier Christmas Trees Covington
• A's Toy Soldier Christmas Trees - Metairie
• AV Tree Farms
• Av Tree Farms
• Country Pines Christmas Tree Farm
• Kringlewood Christmas Tree Farm
• AV Tree Farms

Getting the most out of your real Christmas tree can take some patience, practice and good advice. Here are a few tips 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