One of the best parts of the holiday season is choosing a Christmas tree. Is there anything better than the smell of fresh pine filling your home as you wrap presents under its twinkling lights?
But sometimes the Christmas tree lot can be a confusing place. Since when are there types of trees? How do you know the tree you fall in love with will fit in your home? And how are you going to safely bring it home?
Balsam is the most popular choice. It’s also usually the most fairly priced. This tree is very fragrant when first cut and has flat needles that last through the season.
Blue-green trees are becoming increasingly popular. The Concolor fir comes in a range of beautiful color and holds its needles well.
The Fraser Fir has branches that curl upwards making it perfect for decorating. Its needles are a stunning deep green.
For those with allergies, the Leyland Cypress is a great choice. It has no pollen and no sap. It also has lovely greyish green needles.
The Scotch or Scots Pine tree has a scent that lasts throughout the season. It also holds its needles even after drying out (but please don’t! A dry tree is a fire hazard). Its stiff rigid branches are perfect for holding ornaments.
You’ll want to bring a:
Look for a tree with shiny green needles, a sign of a healthy tree. If you tug on a branch needles shouldn't be falling off. Crushing up needles in your hand tests the fragrance of a tree. The more potent the smell, the fresher and healthier the tree.
A perfectly triangularly sheared tree looks beautiful on its own but leaves little room for ornaments to hang nicely. Instead look for a tree with plenty of spacing between branches for ornaments to be put on display. Once fully decorated your tree won’t look sparse.
Know the height of your ceiling as well as the width of the floor area you’ll be placing your tree. Write them down on paper to bring with you the day of tree picking so you won’t forget. Remember to take the height of your tree stand into consideration when choosing your tree height. You’ll also want to record the max and minimum width your stand can support. Afterall, you don’t want to find out the trunk of your tree is the wrong size after its cut.
When you find the perfect tree and get it home safely be sure to check the water frequently the first few days. You will most likely find that you will have to fill the basin a couple times each day at first as your tree slurps up water.
