COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

The ongoing pandemic has altered many parts of our lives but we hope the tree farm experience and beautiful Christmas tree in your home will provide a sense of normalcy, togetherness, and unity for your family and friends.  Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for our customers, staff, and visitors.  To ensure we have a safe and healthy workplace and experience we have developed the following COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.  This is largely the same plan we had in place for the 2020 season with the exception of masks as highly recommended but not required.  We are also highly recommending making a reservation to balance crowds at the farm (from 11/20 through 11/26 for cut-your-own trees and 11/20 through 12/5 for pre-cut trees).

Our family, staff, and customers all have responsibility for helping execute this plan.  Our goal is to mitigate the potential for transmission of COVID-19 and maintain safety and health at our farm and community.  We have developed this plan through guidance from the CDC, MN Dept of Agriculture, National Christmas Tree Assoc., MN Grown, MN Nursery & Landscape Assoc., MN Dept of Labor & Industry, and other sources.  This plan is rooted in scientific consensus and information, not political perspectives.  Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm, LLC, cannot be held responsible for the contraction of Covid-19 while visiting the farm.  

We’ve worked hard to continue many of the farm activities and experiences you’ve enjoyed in previous years.  However, in several cases we have altered how you’ll experience them this year with an eye toward safety (details below).  We sincerely thank you and want to provide a tree to your family this year but you and your family’s safety is our first priority.  Thus, if you still feel uncomfortable with any of the activities please refrain from participating in them.  We look forward to hopefully getting back to “normal” next year!  

*** These policies and plans are subject to change as new information becomes available ***

Before Arriving

Regardless of your vaccine status, If anyone in your group has Covid-19 or within the last 48 hours has Covid related symptoms or have been exposed to anyone with those conditions please stay away from the farm.  We also encourage coming on a weekday or weekend evening to reduce crowds.  We are open every day until 7pm!
We are also requiring reservations for both cut-your-own and pre-cuts.  This will help spread out crowds from a Covid safety standpoint but also help reduce lines, crowds, and alleviate staffing and parking constraints.  Signup links are on our homepage.

Face Masks

Masks are not required but are welcomed and encouraged regardless of your vaccination status.  Please keep socially distanced from other customers and staff, especially in the pre-cut and farmstead area.  Most of the farm activities are outside but be aware of your safety as well as others around you.  

Welcome Kiosk

The welcome kiosk is next to the main parking lot.  This will help inform customers upon arrival and separate them faster to the cut-your-own fields or pre-cut lot area.  We will have a greeter on peak days to answer questions in addition to info signs on the kiosk.  Check in here when you arrive and have your reservation confirmation email or screen shot ready.  

Hand Sanitizer Stations

We will have hand sanitizer stations around the tree lot.  The main ones will be located near the welcome/information kiosk and on the south side of the warming house (near the checkout and restrooms). 

“To-Go” Trees

We will offer “To-Go” trees for customers that want to limit their shopping time at the farm.  Our staff will hand-pick a limited quantity of premium trees (above average shape, density, etc) in a limited number of sizes (likely 7’-9’).  They will be pre-shaken and bailed.  Just inform one of our staff in the red coats and they will assist you.

Wagon Rides

We will not have wagon rides this year due to lack of staffing.  Most of the fields are closer this year so the sleds will also work well to haul your tree.  We also purchased more of the large, sided, commercial grade sleds to pull your tree back on.

Tree Barn

The tree barn will be closed to customers this year (staff only).  Check-out will be at the warming house.

Warming House

The warming house will closed this season as it’s a small indoor space.  We will, however, use the warming house area for check-out/cashiers.  Cashiers will be on the inside and customers will pay outside through the windows.  The payment stations will be 6 feet apart.  The windows will provide a barrier between the customer and the cashier.  We request that only 1 person from your family pay to reduce the number of people in line.  Our cashiers will wear facemasks or neck buff/gaiter and use disinfectant sprays and wipes on working surfaces.  We will accept credit or debit cards only to eliminate potential risks through handling of cash and checks.  (Note:  We looked at several fully online payment options but none best fit our business model and pricing system.  We’ve created a hybrid online pay model that we may use on peak days.)

Cider

We will not have hot cider this season.  Based on our current facilities we are not able to safely serve cider.

Tie-On Area

We will continue to tie trees on customer vehicles this year.  Please stay in your vehicle and have your receipt ready.  Place your tree tag on your driver-side wiper blade instead of handing to us.

Employees

Staff will have “core” jobs and teams to minimize contact across staff.