It is likely that Christmas will have a greater significance for many as we seek to offset the disruption of normalcy from COVID-19 with a family-oriented holiday experience. However, shopping for a Christmas tree, the iconic centerpiece of the holiday, will be a different experience this year as the risks from COVID-19 must be taken seriously.

Tree lot operators and choose & cut farms must protect the health and safety of their employees, provide customers with the confidence they need to enjoy selecting the perfect tree for their family without risk, and demonstrate to state and local officials they are conducting business responsibly.

The National Christmas Tree Association appointed two committees to develop best practice recommendations—one for tree lot operators and one for choose & cut farms. Their recommendations are attached—we highly encourage growers to use these recommendations to develop strategies to protect their workers and customers. Wholesale growers should share the recommendations for tree lots with their customers. Having a COVID-19 plan for your business is an imperative. Please help distribute this information to the entire Christmas tree industry.

Additionally, here is a link to a Cornell Cooperative Extension document on Best Management Practices for the nursery industry we found very useful.

Stay Safe!