Real Christmas Tree Tips: Expert Advice for Picking and Maintaining Your Tree
As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like the warm glow of a real Christmas tree in your home. If you’re wondering how to pick a real Christmas tree that will last throughout the season, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, knowing these real Christmas tree tips will help you pick out the healthiest tree and ensure it stays fresh and vibrant throughout the holiday season. Here’s our professional guide to selecting, maintaining, and enjoying your fresh cut Christmas tree.
1. Know What to Look For
Picking out a real Christmas tree can be a fun experience, but there are a few things you should check to ensure you’re getting the healthiest tree:
Color
The tree should be a rich, vibrant green. However, don’t rely on color alone, check for other signs of freshness.
Needles
How to care for a real Christmas tree begins with ensuring that the needles are flexible and hold fast. Gently pull on the branches. If only a few needles come off, you’re in good shape. If many needles fall off, the tree may already be too dry.
Branch Strength
If you plan to hang heavy ornaments, gently pull on the branches to test their strength. You don’t want your beautiful ornaments to fall off halfway through the season!
2. Consider the Tree’s Size
Trees often look smaller outside than they will in your home, so measuring the space where you plan to place the tree before you head to the lot is important. Be sure to measure the selected space for the tree’s width as well so you come home with a perfect fit.
3. Recut the Bottom
If your real Christmas tree has been cut for more than six hours, it’s crucial to recut the bottom before placing it in the stand. Most tree lots will cut about ½ inch off the base for you to ensure the tree can absorb water more easily. This small step can make a big difference in keeping your Christmas tree alive longer.
4. Continue to Water the Tree
One of the most important real Christmas tree tips is ensuring that your tree stays hydrated. A fresh cut Christmas tree will drink a lot of water, especially during the first few days it’s in your home. Therefore, you should check its water at the beginning and end of each day until its water intake slows down.
If you are not setting it up immediately, make sure the tree’s cut end is placed in a bucket of water in a garage or other unheated space. This is key to keeping Christmas trees hydrated and in top shape until you’re ready to display it.
5. Choose the Best Time to Buy a Real Christmas Tree
The optimal time to get a real Christmas tree is typically during Thanksgiving weekend or the following weekend. This gives you the best selection of fresh cut Christmas trees. Waiting too long might limit your options, so don’t wait for the last minute if you want the perfect tree.
6. Maintaining Your Real Christmas Tree
Once it’s set up, real Christmas tree maintenance is essential to keep it looking great throughout the season:
Watering
As mentioned, your tree will drink a lot of water at first, so be sure to keep the stand filled. Once it slows down, make sure it never runs dry, as that can lead to quicker needle drop.
Avoid Heat Sources
Keep your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, and radiators. Heat can dry out the tree and increase the risk of a fire. This is an important part of Christmas tree fire safety and overall live Christmas tree safety.
Lights
Opt for modern LED lights, as they are cooler and more energy efficient. A good rule of thumb is to turn your tree’s lights off when you leave your house and when you go to bed. This will help keep you safe and save energy this holiday season.
7. Don’t Forget to Properly Dispose of Your Christmas Tree
When the holidays are over, there are a few ways you can properly dispose of your tree. Many garbage companies in the Twin Cities offer curbside pickup for Christmas trees, or you can repurpose it for mulch or firewood.
Picking out and taking care of a real Christmas tree is an enjoyable holiday tradition. By following these real Christmas tree tips, you’ll ensure your tree stays fresh, vibrant, and safe throughout the season. From choosing the right tree to maintaining it, knowing how to care for a live Christmas tree will help you enjoy the beauty of a natural Christmas tree all month long.
To learn more about taking care of your trees and how we can help, reach out to our team of experts at Ivan’s Tree Service.