Christmas Tree Lot Daily Operations Checklist

Christmas tree lots are one of the most seasonal businesses there is. In the US, many lots open around Thanksgiving weekend and sell most of their trees in the first two or three weekends of December. That leaves no time for a slow start. Trees have to stay fresh, staff have to stay safe in the cold, and customers expect help choosing, netting and loading a tree quickly.

Before Opening Season

Confirm the site, permits and any temporary structure approvals
Arrange lighting, power and a warm shelter for staff
Plan the layout: tree display rows by type and size, netting station, checkout, loading area
Order netting, twine, tree stands and fresh-cut saw blades
Recruit and schedule seasonal staff, with extra cover for weekends
Prepare price signs by size and type

Receiving Trees

Count and check deliveries against the order
Unload carefully to avoid broken branches
Store trees upright or in shade according to supplier guidance to limit drying
Keep a water supply for trees on display if your setup allows

Fresh trees hold needles better and are safer at home. The National Fire Protection Association reminds consumers that dry Christmas trees are a fire hazard, which is a good reason to sell fresh trees and give customers watering advice.

Daily Opening

Walk the lot for hazards: ice, loose netting, tools left out
Check lighting and power, especially for evening hours
Stand display trees upright and tidy the rows
Check the netting machine and saw
Count the cash float and check card readers
Brief staff on the day's priorities

Customer Service

Help customers find the right size: ask about ceiling height and stand size
Make a fresh cut on the trunk before netting if your lot offers it
Net the tree and help load it securely
Give watering and safety advice
Offer delivery or stands if you sell them

Staff Safety

Tree lots involve cold weather, heavy lifting, saws and vehicles moving through the lot.

Provide gloves, warm layers and non-slip footwear guidance
Use two-person lifts for large trees
Train staff on saw safety and keep guards in place
Keep pedestrian and vehicle areas separate where possible
Give regular warm-up breaks

OSHA's cold stress guidance explains how to recognise and prevent cold-related illness in outdoor workers. See how to keep outdoor crews safe in cold weather.

Closing

Count and secure cash
Tidy rows and stand fallen trees
Clear walkways and grit icy areas
Secure tools, saws and netting machine
Log trees sold and stock remaining by type
Lock up and check lighting

End of Season

Plan the final sale and disposal of unsold trees
Arrange removal of structures and clean the site
Review sales by size and type to guide next year's order
Thank the seasonal team and invite the best back next year

How MyTeamTasks Helps

A tree lot has a new team every year and no time for long training. In MyTeamTasks, opening, closing and safety routines are ready as checklists on day one, daily counts are text tasks, and the owner can see whether the lot was opened, gritted and closed properly even when running several lots.