Whether you cut down your own tree at a Christmas tree farm or visit one of the many tree lots popping up during the holidays, selecting and bringing home a Christmas tree is one of the highlights of the season. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about how to select and care for a cut Christmas tree.
Christmas Tree Selection
What kind of tree should I get?
Douglas Fir
The type of tree you choose is really a matter of personal preference. Some prefer the stiffer branches of firs for hanging heavier ornaments, others like the soft openness of pines or the interesting colors of spruce. Christmas trees vary widely in shape, texture, and cost, although the decision is too personal to call one of them superior to another.
Different tree species have different characteristics, and the method of growing and pruning will also affect the overall appearance. Be sure to ask the grower about the care and harvest of their particular trees, to make sure you’re getting a healthy tree that will last all season.
How do I select a healthy tree?
Check for strong needles.
Look for a tree whose branches are upright and perky. The color should be green and glossy, with few to no brown needles. Grasp a branch and bend it a little, then gently pull it through your hand – look for flexible branches that don’t leave your hand full of needles. Gently shake the tree by its trunk and see what falls. A few brown needles will fall out naturally, but you shouldn’t see many green needles on the ground.
How big should my tree be?
Branches should be flexible.
That depends on the space and ceiling height available as well as your personal preference. When you’re out in the open field or at the tree lot, the trees will seem small – many a family has chosen the perfect tree and taken it home, only to discover that it won’t fit in the house! Before choosing your tree, be sure to measure the spot in your room carefully to determine how tall and wide it can be, then measure your tree before buying it. Don’t plan on trimming or shearing a tree – instead buy one the right size and shape.
How long will my tree last?
A freshly cut tree, kept well supplied with water, will last about a month. If you’re buying a precut tree, be sure to ask when it was harvested. All Christmas trees will begin to lose needles as they dry out. Fir, spruce, and cypress generally keep their needles longer than pines.
The Christmas tree symbolizes peace and love and is a decorated evergreen coniferous tree. It is a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas or the original name Yule. According to Christian lore, the Christmas tree is associated with St Boniface and the German town of Geismar.
i have designed a tree stand that has a built in resovoir that holds 7 us gallons. no external componets, water tanks, hoses, valve assemblies. just physics. not only does it hold an incredable amount of water, the weight of the water makes it virtually tip proof.
have got my tree in a stand but keeps falling over when decorated ,what am i doing wrong .
My tree is turning brown. It was fresh cut, and I put it in the water right away, and it has been full of water. I heard putting sugar helps, but I don’t know what to do.
We have a freshly cut live tree that was put immediately from returning home into a bucket of water 10 days ago…it has basically drunk no water. Instead of doing a fresh cut again, can we drill holes in the bottom to allow this tree to drink water? Need help ASAP…plan to bring it inside today or tomorrow.
If the tree appears to be drying out, use warm or hot water to refill the stand. Warmer water can be absorbed more quickly and will help rejuvenate the tree.
Help my husband is an idiot he bought a tree with a big gap of branches missing it looks hideous against my advice and n ow I have put it in the stand with water and the branches will not open Why?
Hi, Trisha,
Gardening questions can be tricky since the rules can change based on the region. You didn’t include the location, so we would suggest contacting your local Master Gardeners association.
Master gardeners train on a range of topics so they can provide advice, at no charge, for people in their area.
Thanks for your question, and good luck!
Cutting our Christmas tree this year. Does cutting it in colder temperatures make it last longer, or warm. This weekend vs next weekend with have a 10-20 degree difference (-15 today, vs predicted temps of +6 next weekend)