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November 26, 2018 in Garden How To

13 foolproof tips to pick the perfect live Christmas tree

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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Do you have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree complex? That’s my struggle each year.The sad, pathetic and wilting tree calls my name because otherwise it won’t have a home for Christmas.

 

Then I have to stop. Pause. Think. Be rational. The tree is not a pet. It does not have feelings. I’m not doing myself any favors by hauling home the worst one on the lot.

Besides, live Christmas trees start at $50. The nicer ones are over $100 now. In many cases you pay by the foot so I might as well get the best tree for my dollars.

But what do you look for when selecting the perfect Christmas tree?

These are my top tips so that your live Christmas tree doesn’t sap your holiday cheer or curdle your eggnog. 

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1.) Before you go tree shopping, measure the ceiling height in the room where you will display your tree.It’s easier if you choose a tree that is about a foot shorter than the ceiling. This way, the tree won’t hit the ceiling and should accommodate the base and tree topper. We stained our ceiling one year by picking a tree that was too tall!

 

Measure that base, too. And don’t forget to bring your tape measure when tree shopping!

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2.) Select a shapely tree that fits the space where you need it. Some people prefer short fat trees, others long, skinny trees.Still others want the “perfect” cone-shaped tree.

 

Retailers know this, so they will charge more for these “perfect” trees. Make sure you know what you want and the price you’re willing to pay.

Some tree farms charge $10 or more per foot. So it’s important to bring your measuring tape if you’re trying to stay within budget and under the ceiling.

And if it’s nearly dusk, it wouldn’t hurt to bring along your handy super bright LED flashlight  either.

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3.) Examine the Christmas tree from all angles. Are there any major gaps missing? Is the retailer trying to hide the “backside” of the tree because it’s sparse or dead?How are the branches? Are they thick and sturdy or wimpy and saggy?

 

Many ornaments are big and heavy. So are your Christmas lights. You’ll want those branches to be able to carry the full weight of all your decor without drooping to the floor.

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4.) Chopping down your own tree is better than buying a pre-cut tree. Who knows when those trees were cut?
 
August maybe? Could be. Especially if they were bought up from down South.
 
Take a branch and run your hand across it to see if many needles fall off. If they do, run.
 
When trees are cut and shipped, they undergo a lot of stress. Sure, losing some needles is normal.
 
But if the tree is fresh, the needles should be pliable and very few fall off. Ask the retailer to shake down your tree before leaving to remove any extra loose needles.

You don’t want to vacuum any more than necessary. This is the vacuum I might be getting for Christmas! {Insert happy dance here).

Check out vacuum on Amazon

 
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5.) Next, grab a branch, hold onto it loosely and rake your hand along it- if you get a handful of needles, choose another tree.
 
 
A bent branch should should snap right back in place. For Frasier and Douglas firs, a better way to test freshness is to remove a firmly connected needle and bend it in half.
​
 
Pull off a needle and put it between your fingers end-to-end. If it bends as you squeeze it, that tree is probably still fresh.
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6.) Does the tree feel light for its size? If so, it might be dried out from lack of water.Weight is a great way to measure freshness.Sap is another fantastic way to test for freshness. After the tree is cut, it no longer produces sap.

 

It will continue to use this sap until little remains. So if the tree is still giving sap the parts should be sticky with it. This indicates a healthier tree.

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7.) The following five Christmas tree varieties have the best shape, lush branches, rich color and superior needle retention: balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, noble fir and Scotch pine.Still, if you see any brown spots or dead spots, keep looking!

 

​Think about what color tree you prefer and needle length. Do you like long needle or short needle? Do you enjoy a fragrant tree?

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8.) And don’t  buy a tree until you’re ready to put it up. Even with a fresh tree, the shelf life is only about 4-6 weeks so don’t put up your tree too early.
 
 
Before you leave the field or store, the seller should make a fresh cut about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the trunk.
 
 
The tree needs water and lots of it immediately. For the first 3 or 4 days, you’ll be watering it several times a day.
 

If you can’t put your Christmas tree up immediately, you’ll need to put the tree in a bucket of warm water outside away from the wind and cold.
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9.) Think about room placement before bringing the tree in the house. Where are your outlets? Heat sources. Cats. Dogs.You know how cats are, they bat at the ornaments. They can also get tangled in the lights when they gnaw on them.In fact, our cat nearly toppled the Christmas tree one year. Try your best to keep pets away from the tree for their sake and yours!

 

​Shake the branches one more time before bringing the tree inside to get excess needless off.

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10.) Place the tree in your home or apartment away from hot, dry heat. Next to the radiator or heat vent is a bad spot.
 
And the tree should never be put up in a room with a stove. Unless you’re looking to turn it into kindling of course.

Keep the tree out of harsh sunlight and warm drafts from vents.  Both will discolor your tree and shorten its lifespan.

Check out baseboard covers on Amazon

 
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11.) The base of the tree needs to be cut immediately before putting up the tree to increase its ability to take up water.
 
Prior to buying a tree, ensure that the base of the tree is straight and at least six inches long so it will fit easily into the tree stand.
 
Make a fresh cut in the trunk of at least 1″ before installing the tree in the stand.
 

Check out stand on Amazon

 
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12.) The bigger the tree, the wider the base needs to be. Make sure that base can hold a lot of water.If your tree is large like ours, then you might want to mount it to a piece of 4×4 plywood to help distribute the weight.Regardless of what stand you use, it needs to be able to hold at least one gallon of water. Don’t add anything to the water.

 

​You probably have heard all the wives tales of adding aspirin, soda water, bleach, salt, sugar, or Karo syrup to keep the tree fresher longer. But most experts insist just plain H2O is best.

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13.) The first time you water the tree, use hot water. Once the sap starts to seal over the pores of the tree it will stop drawing water.This is why it’s so important to get the tree into water as soon as possible after the fresh cut.Besides, water prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and maintains the fragrance.

 

​Some trees may require several quarts a day, so check the water levels in the stand every few hours.

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One final very helpful tip…

Each year Tom lays a plastic tarp under our homemade wooden Christmas tree stand to catch needles and other debris falling from the tree.
 
It sure prevents needles getting spread all over the carpet. Then I quickly use the vacuum to suction all these needles before they get stuck in our socks. Ouch.
 
Another bonus is when I do overfill the tree with water, it flows onto the waterproof tarp, not our carpet.
 
 
Do you put up multiple Christmas trees? Real or fake?

Secret code – Twix

151 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarDeborah Ragno says

    November 7, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    One tree, fresh cut. We visited the farm just yesterday since the weather is beautiful for November and tagged our tree. We will go back to get it the second week of December. They will cut it, haul it, shake it, wrap it, and put it in our van. Our youngest daughter’s bd is 12/7 so I always insisted that no Christmas decorating started until after her birthday. Even though she has been out of the house since 2003, I still wait until the second week of December to get the tree. It stays fresh until the second week of January. I’m always sad to see people tear down their trees and decorations on Dec. 26. One trick our son-in-love showed us to make the tree last longer — just before putting it in the stand (and right after trimming the inch off the bottom — drill a hole up through the bottom of the tree and stuff some absorbent fabric strips (old flannel works great) into the hole, leaving a tail that will wick up the water into the tree.

    Reply
    • Avatarjoanie pond says

      November 18, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      love this site.

      Reply
    • AvatarShelly Miller says

      November 18, 2020 at 5:50 pm

      the smell of a fresh cut pine always takes me back to my childhood, ty for the article!

      Reply
  2. Avatarwalter lawyer says

    November 9, 2020 at 7:33 am

    foods to enjoy

    Reply
  3. AvatarKaren Herbert says

    November 18, 2020 at 12:50 am

    Love the smell of a fresh cut pine!

    Reply
  4. AvatarPeggy F says

    November 18, 2020 at 12:51 am

    Thank you for having a great giveaway during the holidays <3

    Reply
  5. AvatarChad Boyd says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:05 am

    All great tips! Thank you for sharing these.

    Reply
  6. AvatarSheila Colbert says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:10 am

    Very interesting things I never thought about

    Reply
  7. AvatarJohn Dickson says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:12 am

    L

    Reply
  8. AvatarAudrey says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:32 am

    Beautiful pictures

    Reply
  9. AvatarCheryl Sutton says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:54 am

    Aww.. and The Animals on here Make me smile, The TREE is beautiful!

    Reply
  10. AvatarApril B says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:42 am

    My tree is going to be artificial this year and it’s going to be a grinch theme!!

    Reply
  11. AvatarTracey Barfield says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:50 am

    A real tree brings back some many memories of Christmas, my family always had a real tree and the smell of that tree brought the Christmas magic to the house. Thanks for sharing the tips

    Reply
  12. AvatarMichelle Proper says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:37 am

    There’s nothing like a live tree at Christmas time. Love the smell that fills the living room! 🙂

    Reply
  13. AvatarBetsy Pauzauskie says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:21 am

    When our family was young we enjoyed cutting our Christmas trees. When our oldest daughter was in high school I developed allergies and we switched to a large artificial tree. Over time, we got a smaller artificial tree, since the kids were grown and no grandchildren were on the horizon. And, we kept the smaller tree after our 7 Grandchildren arrived. However, our children were given most of the Hallmark, Enesco and other Ornaments we’d collected over the years for their own family trees. Your tree tips were spot on; and, brought back many wonderful memories for me. Thank you!

    Reply
  14. AvatarCalshondra Williams says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:33 am

    Great ideas and tips to follow. Thanks for the sharing.

    Reply
  15. AvatarLiz Kilcher says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:50 am

    great ideas, thanks much!!!

    Reply
  16. Avatarcindy quisenberry says

    November 18, 2020 at 9:30 am

    looks like the people that picked the Rockefeller tree should have watched. That tree is pitiful!

    Reply
  17. AvatarTerri David says

    November 18, 2020 at 11:06 am

    I prefer to admire the trees in our yard and not cut them down. Birds and critters need the habitat more than I need to decorate my house.

    Reply
  18. AvatarNancy Fiorenza says

    November 18, 2020 at 11:10 am

    great tips if I ever choose to have a live tree

    Reply
  19. AvatarRichard Schott says

    November 18, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    Great Christmas tree tips!

    Reply
  20. AvatarRajee Pandi says

    November 18, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    so pretty

    Reply
  21. AvatarDana Rodriguez says

    November 18, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    These are great tips. You really need to keep an eye on the water so it doesn’t dry out.

    Reply
  22. AvatarBarbara Calder says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Wonderful information. I miss living in Colorado where we would go the Pike Forest and cut down our Christmas tree. Thanks

    Reply
  23. AvatarCarrie says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:06 pm

    Thanks for all of the tips. We go to pick our tree next week

    Reply
  24. AvatarAngela C Adelman says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    Your tree is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing a picture. Can’t wait to put our tree up!

    Reply
  25. AvatarKathy Derrick says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing! It’s always difficult to find a tree that’s full so thanks again for the advice. 🙂

    Reply
  26. AvatarK. Landers says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    I follow these tips as fresh is always the most nostalgic in our home. However, despite the normal inspection, one tree in particular that will forever live in infamy was doomed. It was a live tree from a farm that we cut but there was no indication that it would soon lose all of its needles and I feel the culprit was the hidden spider infestation. Well, that hasn’t stopped us but still gives me the shivers.

    Reply
  27. Avatarrhonda Hagy miller says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    Great tips!! And I LOVE the furbabies pics too!

    Reply
  28. AvatarStephen Jones says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    we enjoyed a real tree for many years!

    Reply
  29. AvatarJanet Burke says

    November 18, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Great tips

    Reply
  30. AvatarRena T Walter says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Thank you for the info!

    Reply
  31. AvatarItzel says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    I always get a fresh tree from a mass retailer. I have always wanted to go to a tree farm and pick one out, cut it down myself and bring it home.

    Reply
  32. Avatardavid travis says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:11 pm

    Wish I had your tomato tips this spring

    Reply
  33. AvatarTesa Shelton says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    Great tips for trees. My family, son mostly, insists we get a real tree every year. Wish my ceilings were taller and I could get a huge one.

    Reply
  34. AvatarPatricia Wheeler says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    Great tips, I’ll keep them in mind if I ever decide to bite the bullet and buy a real tree! For now, I’ll still with the one I got.

    Reply
  35. AvatarMary Meadows says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  36. AvatarEdward says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    nice

    Reply
    • AvatarConnie says

      November 18, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      Since it has just been me I don’t put up a tree. I go to daughters to watch kids open present its fun to watch the little ones

      Reply
  37. AvatarBrandi Ellison says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    I use a fake tree for now. where i currently live, there is not room to grow my own, and they are expensive to buy. no mess and easy set up and take down

    Reply
  38. AvatarKayte CookWatts says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:44 pm

    I did not know that hot water tip! Great info. You are much more organized than we will ever be- but I can fantasize about it. haha Happy holidays.

    Reply
  39. AvatarJackie says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    We use to get a real tree, but the last couple of years we’ve had an artificial tree. I miss the smell of the real tree. Thanks for all the great tips on choosing a good tree.

    Reply
  40. AvatarJanice Cash says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:53 pm

    Wonderful ideals and tips. Cute pet photos, both of mine refuse to wear anything for me.

    Reply
  41. AvatarCandace P says

    November 18, 2020 at 4:55 pm

    Beautiful pictures!!!

    Reply
  42. AvatarDeborah Waddell says

    November 18, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    I’d love to have a real tree but my cat thinks Christmas trees are his new toys!

    Reply
  43. Avatarjacqueline graves says

    November 18, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    All great tips – especially that measure to the ceiling!!
    We put up an artificial tree right after Thanksgiving, then go get a real tree on Christmas Eve. Every item on the real tree has to be handmade: popcorn strings, cranberries, etc. After Christmas, we put the real tree outside for the birds (and squirrels!) to enjoy.

    Reply
  44. AvatarAnita Sue Hamilton says

    November 18, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    I am so glad I found this blog!

    Reply
  45. AvatarDonna Evans says

    November 18, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    Growing up around farming and then marrying a farmer we have always had real trees (grown on the farm). But since then we have artificial trees because I don’t know how fresh they are.

    Reply
  46. Avatarpaula burnham says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    Thanks for the tips

    Reply
  47. AvatarYona Williams says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    We cut our own tree last year and it was quite the experience. We forgot to measure the ceiling, but lucked out – the tree was just the right size. The scent of a fresh tree cannot compare to the fake ones.

    Reply
  48. AvatarIrina says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    Looking for a size and freshness

    Reply
  49. Avatarjesse g johnson says

    November 18, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    it is all about the tree. if you have a bad tree then no matter how well you decorate it will not look good

    Reply
  50. AvatarLeAnn Harbert says

    November 18, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    All of these are great tips to keep in mind when we go to the Christmas tree farm.

    Reply
  51. AvatarElissa Hammond says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    My cats use out tree as their own cat tree. Can’t ever have a real tree and even my fake tree is all discombobulated lol.

    Reply
  52. AvatarDave Taube says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Thanks so much for the great tips. I’ll keep them in mind when I get my tree in a couple of weeks.

    Reply
  53. AvatarCheryl Messick says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    Gorgeous

    Reply
  54. AvatarPaul Muldown says

    November 18, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    I needed this to get me in the holiday mood!

    Reply
  55. AvatarMargaret says

    November 18, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    This is good information to have. I haven’t put up a tree for awhile because of our pets. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  56. AvatarDandi D says

    November 18, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    We love picking out a tree every year and these are some great tips!

    Reply
  57. AvatarGayle Watkins says

    November 18, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    I have visions of Christmas Vacation running through my head now! I have to watch that again. We have never done the live, cut-your-tree yourself thing. Very good tips here for the newbs.

    Reply
  58. AvatarErika L. says

    November 18, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    Great tips! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  59. AvatarMichele says

    November 18, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    Thanks for the grrat tips! 🎄

    Reply
  60. AvatarLisa Cress says

    November 18, 2020 at 11:42 pm

    My Dad owned a Christmas Tree Farm when I was growing up and then my husband and I raised Christmas Trees on our farm for several years also. I think they are all beautiful! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  61. AvatarRonnell Storie says

    November 18, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    Good tips! Trees and santa clause has nothing to do with Christmas.

    Reply
  62. AvatarCynthia says

    November 18, 2020 at 11:51 pm

    We always buy a living tree and replant it.

    Reply
  63. AvatarDiane Warstler says

    November 19, 2020 at 12:06 am

    Great tips! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  64. AvatarGeorge Downey says

    November 19, 2020 at 12:35 am

    Great imformation,thanks.

    Reply
  65. AvatarLeslie W Flaherty says

    November 19, 2020 at 12:47 am

    Thanks so much!

    Reply
  66. AvatarEstella Osorio says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:01 am

    So pretty

    Reply
  67. AvatarPat F says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:34 am

    We tag and cut a fresh tree each year. So many great tips. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  68. AvatarMya Murphy says

    November 19, 2020 at 2:24 am

    I am all about imperfect Christmas trees myself.. I always fix up nice and as neat as possible, but I honestly like the Charlie Brown trees that everyone ignores.

    Reply
  69. AvatarSheila Gagnon says

    November 19, 2020 at 4:37 am

    We are so excited to have a real tree this year so this was perfect

    Reply
  70. AvatarAndrew P says

    November 19, 2020 at 4:43 am

    I’ve never done it but I like the idea of a living tree

    Reply
  71. AvatarPhyllis Skoglund says

    November 19, 2020 at 5:18 am

    I have a “Bonsai” tiny Christmas tree that has stayed the same size for the past 20 years.

    Reply
  72. AvatarArlene says

    November 19, 2020 at 7:17 am

    fake, would you believe my tree from last year is still up

    Reply
  73. AvatarSharon Bontz says

    November 19, 2020 at 11:32 am

    love the holidays these would be a great addition

    Reply
  74. AvatarAngela Muse says

    November 19, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    I live among the trees and have always had live ones for Christmas.

    Reply
  75. AvatarChristine Susan says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    really great tips, we have been doing fake for years now because real are just too expensive and its kind of sad

    Reply
  76. AvatarSHEILA RESSEL says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    I will definitely keep these tips in mind when picking out our tree this year.

    Reply
  77. AvatarSusan L Craig says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    I am only putting up one small, artificial tree this year. As we won’t be doing much entertaining, I decided to cut back on the decorating and baking. Sad, but more time for virtual visits with family & friends.

    Reply
  78. AvatarKIM DAVIS says

    November 19, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Great tips, I love a fresh tree. They smell so good.

    Reply
  79. AvatarCheryll Powning says

    November 19, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    We always pick a tree with character. Most have had a 3 or 4 tops, crooked trunks, or anything unusual. Lots of fun to decorate!

    Reply
  80. AvatarMichael Coovert says

    November 19, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    We always have an artificial tree. Personally, and respectfully, we have considered it a waste to kill a tree for such a short use. But that is just our personal opinions.

    Reply
  81. Avatartiffany dayton says

    November 19, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    Good tips but our tree is not real.

    Reply
  82. AvatarMarsheila Kerner says

    November 19, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Awesome !!

    Reply
  83. Avatarpaige chandler says

    November 19, 2020 at 5:45 pm

    Great tips. Getting a live tree this year for the first time ever,

    Reply
  84. AvatarAnita Kennett says

    November 19, 2020 at 6:21 pm

    Thank you for the help

    Reply
  85. AvatarJim De Arman says

    November 19, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    An artificial tree for me

    Reply
  86. AvatarCynthia C says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    Great tips for tree selection. Thanks!

    Reply
  87. AvatarMelton C McKinney says

    November 19, 2020 at 11:42 pm

    I would love to grow a garden that I could be proud of.

    Reply
  88. AvatarSam says

    November 19, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    Great tips. Don’t forget to add sugar to the water to make it stay fresher longer

    Reply
  89. AvatarJeannie says

    November 20, 2020 at 12:35 am

    Good ideas – Maybe this year we will get a real tree rather than artificial.

    Reply
  90. AvatarShelly says

    November 20, 2020 at 12:37 am

    beautiful tree

    Reply
  91. AvatarTony Platz says

    November 20, 2020 at 12:53 am

    Growing up in Michigan I have done a lot of work on Christmas Tree farms it really does take a lot of thought and care picking the right tree and species for your home .

    Reply
  92. AvatarTerry Poage says

    November 20, 2020 at 12:55 am

    Thanks for all the great tips. I love live Christmas trees. Douglas Furs are my favorite.

    Reply
  93. Avatarmary rudy says

    November 20, 2020 at 12:58 am

    very helpful tips

    Reply
  94. AvatarLisa says

    November 20, 2020 at 1:34 am

    We only ever put up one tree and it was artificial. Now, we don’t even put up one. Over the years we went from a full size artificial tree to a small tabletop tree, and then to no tree. Eventually, I may start doing a small tree again. Interesting tips in the article about tree freshness.

    Reply
  95. Avatarjames s says

    November 20, 2020 at 1:59 am

    great tree tips

    Reply
  96. AvatarMinnie C. says

    November 20, 2020 at 9:18 am

    Gosh, I love the picture of the big & decorated tree. The entire tree
    was captured in the wonderful picture. Christmas reminds me of my
    mom. She loved a big & fresh tree. Most of the ornaments she made.
    She had a train on tracks & baby Jesus, 3 kings, Mary & Joseph set.
    Appreciate the tips on looking & selecting a fresh tree.

    Reply
  97. AvatarNicole Bell says

    November 20, 2020 at 1:09 pm

    We usually just put up one Christmas tree, and it’s a fresh cut live tree. Thanks for the additional tips. When my kids were younger I got them each a small fake tree to put up in their bedrooms (table top size) but over the years they got damaged or lost parts so we don’t have them any more.

    Reply
  98. AvatarKaren Jaras says

    November 20, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    Cats and tinsel. Fortunately it passed and the litter box was bright and shiny for a few days.

    Reply
  99. AvatarCarolyn Barnett says

    November 20, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    I would love a fresh tree. My tree looks like a Charlie Brown tree.

    Reply
  100. AvatarLynn E Estep says

    November 20, 2020 at 10:28 pm

    One little, tiny, obviously fake tree! A ‘CHARLIE BROWN’ want-a-be!

    Reply
  101. AvatarRICHARD SKUSE says

    November 21, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    GOOD TO KNOW

    Reply
  102. AvatarJudith Bayer says

    November 22, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    Your tips are spot on. In our early marriage days we got a live tree and one season, we bought our tree too early and it dried out so much before Christmas, we couldn’t even turn on the lights for fear of starting a fire. The day after Christmas, we tossed the tree from our 3rd story balcony apartment and upon landing below, EVERY needle fell off! We bought an fake tree a few years ago and while it’s convenient, I do miss the scent of a real tree.

    Reply
  103. AvatarPhyllis Skoglund says

    November 23, 2020 at 12:28 am

    I have a live tree that has stayed tiny like a Bonsai tree, I bring it indoors for Christmas for the past 20 years.

    Reply
  104. AvatarTracy Z says

    November 23, 2020 at 4:27 am

    Thank you for these tips!

    Reply
  105. AvatarJessica Staley says

    November 23, 2020 at 6:19 am

    We went to cut down a tree from a tree farm and my son cried because he didn’t want to hurt the tree. He also didn’t want animals to lose their homes. So we put up a fake tree, just 1.

    Reply
  106. AvatarLahna Duhon says

    November 23, 2020 at 7:16 am

    1 real tree

    Reply
  107. AvatarSusan P. says

    November 23, 2020 at 10:15 am

    My favorite was Frasier Fir. It had the least amount of needle drop.

    Reply
  108. AvatarJoanna says

    November 23, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    I only like fresh cut tree. We usually get a cedar that has grown on our land. The only artificial tree we ever had was just after we were married in 1962, one of those aluminum trees with a colored light wheel directed at it. It looks like they are coming into fashion again! 🙂

    Reply
  109. AvatarLeela says

    November 24, 2020 at 10:46 am

    They all look so beautiful, especially the first one.

    Reply
  110. Avatarvennesa k says

    November 24, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    I am soooo picky when it comes to my xmas tree. Has to be a Grand Fir just because of the citrus pine smell lol

    Reply
  111. AvatarJanet Ford says

    November 24, 2020 at 10:34 pm

    Great Tips.

    Reply
  112. AvatarCheryl Rahkonen says

    November 25, 2020 at 1:38 am

    I haven’t had a live Christmas tree in years but I remember the fragrance. A live tree is so beautiful and brings the holidays to life right inside your home.

    Reply
  113. AvatarBrian Teater says

    November 25, 2020 at 10:02 am

    Thank you!

    Reply
  114. AvatarAnne S says

    November 25, 2020 at 11:56 am

    Thanks for all the great tips! We usually have put up live trees and hope to do again this year! And your post will help to make sure I don’t repeat some of the awful tree mistakes I’ve made over the years! Happy Holidays~

    Reply
  115. AvatarLinda S says

    November 26, 2020 at 10:26 am

    Beautiful tree!!

    Reply
  116. AvatarCindy Vincent says

    November 27, 2020 at 11:38 pm

    We use to have a real tree , then it got easier while working to just put up a fake tree. But now that we are retired we are going back to real this year and my granddaughter is going with us for the first time to the tree farm to help pick out the perfect tree.

    Reply
  117. AvatarDolores Miranda says

    November 28, 2020 at 4:25 am

    So awesome! And Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  118. AvatarBEVERLY DENNIS says

    November 29, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    I’m torn between a fake & a real tree I don’t want to kill a tree for the use of just once ! ! But there’s nothing like a real tree !

    Reply
  119. AvatarJean Vehanen says

    November 29, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    Nice decorations!

    Reply
  120. AvatarDebbie Spearman says

    November 29, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    We used to go to the mountains and cut our own frasier fir tree, I miss those days

    Reply
  121. AvatarAmber Lee Kolb says

    November 29, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    These are some great tips! I will pass them on to my sister and her family as they always pick a fresh tree!

    Reply
  122. Avatarjennifer bowen says

    November 29, 2020 at 8:05 pm

    i love real chrismas trees there really nice to have.

    Reply
  123. AvatarDeborah Baer says

    November 29, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    Thank you for the tips! They are all so interesting!

    Reply
  124. AvatarWendy says

    December 4, 2020 at 7:39 am

    I love fresh trees and we used to cut our own tree each year. But I lost my husband and I’m a little too broken to do it by myself, so I have a 9′ artificial tree. I just have the one, currently.

    Reply
  125. AvatarGT says

    December 5, 2020 at 4:11 am

    I grew up haGtving a fake tree. I’ve had some real ones in the past. I didn’t know so many of the tips, especially that the tree should be watered with hot water first. Thanks!

    Reply
  126. AvatarPat Schwab says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    We used to put up a real tree and one year we had a live tree which we planted and it is now taller than our house. We now use a prelit faux tree but I do miss the smell of a real tree but not the pine needles.

    Reply
  127. AvatarJanis says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    I never heard about using hot water with the first watering. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  128. AvatarNancy says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    These are helpful tips that many people will find useful at this time of year.

    Reply
  129. AvatarTina says

    December 6, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    love the smell of fresh trees

    Reply
  130. AvatarDesignerSam says

    December 7, 2020 at 8:01 am

    Artificial 9′ slim look real then sometimes 2 slim 7′ trees throughout my home.

    Reply
  131. AvatarMary Gardner says

    December 7, 2020 at 11:14 pm

    These are some great tips. Thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  132. AvatarBrittany Gilley says

    December 8, 2020 at 12:04 am

    thanks for these tips

    Reply
  133. AvatarAntoinette M says

    December 8, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    Good tips. We prefer a fake tree.

    Reply
  134. AvatarJulie Waldron says

    December 9, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    That is a beautiful tree. I grew up with a real tree and we had one the first year were married. Now we have an artificial tree.

    Reply
  135. AvatarLaurie Nykaza says

    December 10, 2020 at 3:00 am

    I love the tree its so pretty decorated and I know it must smell so good. Since my sons heart transplant no live plants in our home now, there not allowed. I will enjoy next year when i visit friend and family who have them because they look and smell so good.

    Reply
  136. AvatarSue E says

    December 11, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    We haven’t put up a tree 🌲 in years! We are empty nesters. Unless we had Christmas, we wouldn’t put up a tree. I was never for putting up a tree, because I didn’t know what a tree or a large man in a red suit, had anything to do with the birth of our Lord and Savior! They just took the attention away from Him! Everybody overruled me. so I always opted for a real tree. The smell of a freshly cut tree makes the house smell good. I knew about shaking the tree’s branches and looking for life in the branches. I never heard of adding bleach in the tree’s water. Sugar – yes. We always made sure that the tree was firmly anchored. Safety first! Over 50 years ago, we had the big glass bulbs. They used to get really hot. So we didn’t have the lights on for long at all. Even blinking lights. Our family liked throwing the tinsel on. I liked the garland. The tinsel got all over too. The cat liked the sparkle of it. We always unplugged our tree at night. Some families didn’t. It cost them dearly!
    I’m so glad that people have gained a lot of knowledge about Christmas trees! I was always careful about the kids and the animals. We used surge protectors. An overload outlet can cause a fire too. Thank you for sharing. A couple of these points are good for fake trees also. Sharing and pinning 🎄🌲

    Reply
  137. Avatarwen budro says

    December 14, 2020 at 11:09 pm

    Those are some excellent tips for sure. The price of live Christmas trees has gone up so much that I need tips to get a good one. And to keep it fresh as long as possible.

    Reply
  138. Avatarellen beck says

    December 15, 2020 at 6:34 am

    Great tips! I love the smell of a live tree but have not had one for many years. Next year if we are finally moved into the other house, we might have one since there is a pine that needs to be taken out. Now to remember your tips.

    Reply
  139. AvatarBrianna Evers says

    December 16, 2020 at 3:40 am

    Thank you for these tips! I have always wanted to try getting a live tree for Christmas and these tips will definitely help.

    Reply
  140. AvatarCassandra D says

    December 19, 2020 at 10:50 am

    Thank you for the information, especially measurement required for the tree to fit the room where placement is required.

    Reply
  141. AvatarBrandon Sparks says

    December 19, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    This really has helped. Thanks so much for this..

    Reply
  142. AvatarBrandy Burkett says

    December 19, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    Great tips! I learned a lot!

    Reply
  143. AvatarMelinda Barlow says

    December 19, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    I appreciate the tips. I have gone to artificial trees but use forest boughs for other decor because I love the wonderful scent!

    Reply
  144. Avatarlaurie damrose says

    December 19, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    These are very good tips to know.

    Reply
  145. AvatarGABRIELLE N GILBERT says

    December 20, 2020 at 12:52 am

    I see Christmas trees all throughout the year whenever we take drives. ;)))) Thankfully, we go to Marvin’s tool warehouse and pay @ $30 for a tree. 🐞

    Reply
  146. AvatarMelissa P. says

    December 20, 2020 at 3:36 am

    I use to purchase a live tree every year but it got to be too much of a hassle for me. I have a Balsam Hill tree now and it works.

    Reply
  147. AvatarAnneS says

    December 20, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    I live near a national forest. One other thing to remember is to get a license before heading off to chop your chosen tree.

    Reply
  148. AvatarBuddy Garrett says

    December 21, 2020 at 4:13 am

    Thanks for the great tips.

    Reply

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about laura sproull

about laura sproull

Hi! I'm Laura and hail from Western New York. I consider myself a lifelong learner who loves gardening with a 360 degree view. Thanks for stopping by!

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