How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree
Introduction
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to find the perfect Christmas tree to light up your home and create lasting memories. But how do you choose the right one? From preparation to decoration, here's a comprehensive guide to help you bring home the ideal tree for your holiday festivities.
Prepare Your Home for the Tree
A Cozy Christmas Tree Amid Holiday Preparations
Decide on the Location
Before heading out to find your Christmas tree, prepare your home to accommodate it. Start by selecting a location that isn’t near a heat source like a fireplace, heating vent, or sunny window, as these can cause the tree to dry out quickly. Avoid high-traffic areas where children or pets might knock it over or where someone could trip over the light cord.
Measure Your Space
Once you've chosen a spot, measure the area to ensure the tree will fit perfectly. Measure the ceiling height and the available width, and don’t forget to factor in the tree stand and topper. For example, if your ceiling is eight feet tall and your topper is one foot high, your tree should not exceed seven feet.
Bring a tape measure with you when shopping for your tree to compare its size with your room's dimensions. This step saves you the hassle of trimming too much later.
Decide What Type of Tree You Want
Choosing the right tree species depends on your personal preferences for appearance, scent, and maintenance. Douglas fir, Leyland cypress, and Scotch pine are three popular options:
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- Appearance: Full; dark-green to blue hues with soft, dense needles.
- Scent: Strong, fresh, and lasting throughout the season. Crushing the needles enhances the fragrance.
- Durability: Excellent needle retention, ensuring minimal mess.
Leyland Cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii)
- Appearance: Soft gray-green needles and an elegant shape.
- Scent: Minimal scent, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Other Benefits: Produces no pollen or sap, making it a low-maintenance option.
Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
- Appearance: Bright-green needles, about an inch long, with stiff branches that hold ornaments well.
- Scent: Long-lasting and fresh.
- Durability: Exceptional needle retention, even as the tree dries out.
Check the Space Between the Branches
Timeless Elegance with Gold Holiday Ornaments
The spacing between a tree’s branches can make or break your holiday decorations. Trees with tightly packed branches may look lush but can make it difficult for ornaments to hang straight, while trees with open spacing allow decorations to dangle naturally and evenly.
How to Choose the Right Spacing
- Ornament Test: Bring an ornament with you to the tree lot and hang it on a few branches to see how it fits. This quick test ensures your decorations will hang properly at home.
- Visual Balance: Look for a tree with consistent spacing between branches, offering enough room for lights and ornaments without being overly sparse.
Best Tree Types for Decoration
Certain tree species, like the Fraser fir or noble fir, are known for their naturally good branch spacing, making them ideal for showcasing ornaments.
Choosing the right branch spacing ensures your tree will look balanced and beautiful once decorated.
Ensure the Tree is Fresh
A fresh Christmas tree is essential for keeping your home festive, fragrant, and safe throughout the holiday season. A tree that isn’t fresh will dry out quickly, shedding needles and becoming a potential fire hazard. Here’s how to ensure you’re bringing home a vibrant, long-lasting tree.
Signs of a Fresh Tree
- Needle Appearance: Fresh needles should be green, shiny, and supple. Avoid trees with dull, brittle, or brownish needles.
- Needle Retention: Gently tug on a branch. If the needles stay in place and resist falling, the tree is fresh. A few loose needles near the trunk are normal, but excessive shedding is a red flag.
- Flexibility Test: Bend a small branch. Fresh branches will be pliable and return to their original shape without snapping.
- Trunk Check: Look at the tree’s trunk. A sticky, sappy trunk indicates the tree has been freshly cut. A dry trunk may mean the tree was harvested weeks ago.
Pro Tip: Smell the Tree
A fresh tree will emit a strong piney fragrance. If the scent is faint or nonexistent, the tree may have dried out. The fragrance not only adds to the holiday ambiance but also indicates the tree’s health.
How to Keep the Tree Fresh
- Cut the Trunk: After purchasing your tree, saw off about an inch from the bottom of the trunk. This fresh cut allows the tree to absorb water more effectively.
- Hydration is Key: Place the tree in water as soon as possible after cutting. Use a tree stand that can hold at least a gallon of water and refill it daily. A tree can drink up to a quart of water per day, so don’t let the stand run dry.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Keep the tree away from fireplaces, heating vents, and sunny windows, as these can accelerate drying.
Selecting from a Tree Lot
If you’re buying your tree from a lot, ask when the trees were cut and whether they are locally sourced. Trees shipped long distances may have already lost some freshness by the time they arrive.
Ensuring your Christmas tree is fresh not only keeps it looking beautiful but also reduces mess and enhances safety, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy the holiday season.
Transport the Tree Safely
Bringing Home the Perfect Christmas Tree
Getting your Christmas tree home safely is essential to preserving its beauty and ensuring it’s ready for decorating. Proper handling prevents damage to the branches and needles.
Preparing the Tree
- Wrap It Up: Most tree lots will net your tree for easier transport, but if not, use a tarp or blanket to protect the branches. This also helps minimize needle loss.
- Shake It Off: Before wrapping, give the tree a gentle shake to remove loose needles and debris.
Transporting Inside Your Car
If your vehicle has enough space, transporting the tree inside is ideal. Lay the tree flat with the trunk facing forward. Use a tarp or blanket to protect your car’s interior from sap and needles.
Securing the Tree on the Roof
If the tree must go on the roof:
- Trunk First: Position the trunk toward the front to reduce wind damage.
- Protect and Secure: Wrap the tree in a tarp or blanket to shield it from wind, and secure it tightly to the roof with strong ropes or straps.
- Stability Check: Tug the tree gently before driving to ensure it won’t shift.
After Transport
Once home, unwrap the tree to let the branches settle and make a fresh cut at the base to improve water absorption.
By taking a few precautions, you’ll ensure your tree arrives in great condition, ready to shine in your holiday décor.
Adjust the Tree to Fit
Even with careful planning, your Christmas tree may need slight adjustments to fit perfectly in your space.
- Trim the Trunk: If the tree is too tall, saw off any excess from the bottom. Always make a fresh cut at the base, even if the height is right, to help the tree absorb water and stay fresh.
- Shape the Tree: Prune any uneven or overly long branches to create a balanced look. Use clean, sharp shears for precise cuts.
- Secure the Tree: Place the tree in a sturdy stand that fits its size. Tighten clamps or screws to keep it stable, then step back and check that it’s straight before adding water.
- Consider the Topper: Leave enough room for your tree topper by ensuring the total height fits comfortably beneath your ceiling.
These small adjustments ensure that your tree fits perfectly and looks its best for the holiday season.
Enjoy and Decorate Your Tree
Creating Memories Around the Christmas Tree
Once your tree is set up, it’s time to transform it into the centerpiece of your holiday décor. Decorating is a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Decorating the Tree
- Start with Lights: Wrap lights from the bottom up, weaving them deep into the branches for an even, radiant glow. Choose classic white lights or colorful strands to suit your style.
- Add Garland: Drape garland or ribbon in soft swoops for texture and flow.
- Hang Ornaments: Place heavier ornaments deeper into the branches for support, and spread lighter ones evenly across the tips.
- Crown with a Topper: Add the finishing touch with a topper that complements your theme, such as a star, an angel, or a unique design.
Make It Personal
Include sentimental ornaments, handmade pieces, or family heirlooms to make your tree uniquely yours. These special touches add warmth and meaning to your holiday décor.
Soak in the Ambiance
Once decorated, step back and enjoy the tree’s glow. It sets the tone for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, and holiday photos.
Keep It Fresh
Check the water daily, reposition ornaments if needed, and vacuum stray needles to maintain your tree’s beauty throughout the season.
Decorating your tree is more than just a tradition—it’s a way to celebrate the season, spread cheer, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect Christmas tree is a joyous tradition that sets the tone for the season. By preparing your space, selecting the right species, and caring for your tree properly, you’ll ensure a festive and stress-free holiday experience.
Let your Christmas tree light up your home and your hearts this holiday season!
Originally posted on December 7, 2018.
