Christmas is getting close and it’s finally time to pick the perfect tree for your home! Here is everything you need to know!
Measure!
The absolute most important thing you need to do before moving forward. Get the right tools and measure where you want your tree to be, because you need your tree to not touch the ceiling and not be too wide that it gets in the way of furniture and people.
This will be extremely helpful when exploring different tree types.
Understand tree types
After measuring, you will want to take a look at some tree types and consider their prices too. Retailers usually charge more for the most popular ones, so be sure to keep that in mind if money is an issue.
And when selecting the trees you like, never forget your measures - the tree should fit nicely where you want to put it, so consider the height AND width when picking. Also consider that some farms will charge trees individually, while others charge by the foot.
Here’s a good place to understand tree types.
Consider your decorations
The kind of decorations you plan on using is important when picking your tree. Do you plan on using simple light decoration, or a few heavier ones? Make sure the needles can withstand their weight, otherwise you’ll have to rethink the decorations at the last minute.
Make sure the branches are firm and the needles don’t fall easily, which is a sign of a dry tree - the weight of heavier decoration could break the branches. This shouldn’t be the case if you’re going for basic stuff, but it’s always better to be certain.
Get ready for a day off
You will want to look for the best possible tree, taking in consideration everything we’ve mentioned so far, so it’s better not to do that in a hurry. Be prepared for a day in the country and your search for the perfect tree should go smoothly.
Saws for cutting the tree are usually provided by the farm, but it’s always good to check. Another nice tip is taking a bandana with you, so you can mark your favorite trees while looking.
Here are some places you can look for tree farms near you:
Is it fresh?
An easy way of checking for freshness is running a branch through your hands - the needles shouldn’t come off easily.
Before you cut the tree, make sure the base is straight - it’s common for these kinds of trees to be a little crooked, and that’s fine, as long as it doesn’t create a problem to keep it up straight later on.
You got a tree, now what?
There are some basic needs you have to fulfil to keep your tree healthy and green while it’s up. Here are some good tips:
- Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight - this will make the needles lose color and will drastically shorten its lifespan.
- Cut an inch off the base to let it absorb water more easily.
- The base should have at least a gallon of water, and should be checked daily to make sure there’s enough.
- Don’t mix anything in the water - pure water is the simple best solution.
- For obvious reasons, never place your tree near any kind of heat source, like a fireplace.
Looking for a Christmas tree stand? Start here!
What are your plans for this year’s Christmas tree? How do you want to decorate it? Please let us know in the comments, and follow us on Facebook for more useful Christmas articles!
Join the conversation