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Yes, there are tons of fake tree options out there from colored and pre-lit to flocked to real-looking. While they don’t drop their needles or need watering and can be recycled year after year, none of them have the appeal of the fresh pine smell. Many Christmas tree enthusiasts are simply unwilling to overlook this. If you are planning on getting a real tree this holiday season, here are a few pointers to help you not only pick a good one, but also to help you keep it around until the end of the month.
Choosing your tree:
- Shop early as fresh, good-looking trees tend to get picked first.
- Choose a tree lot that uses local trees; trees that have travelled farther are obviously less fresh and were cut longer ago.
- Shake the branches a few time to make sure needles don’t fall off. A few is normal, but if you get a pine needle shower the tree isn’t fresh!
- Pluck a needle or two off the tree (it shouldn’t come off too easily) and break it. It should be moist and smell like pine.
- Check the tree for discoloration. A healthy evergreen tree should be bright green.
- If you are concerned about pesticides shop for an organic tree from an organic tree farm.
- Measure your space before you leave home so that you are sure to get a tree that will fit.
- You can save both time and money if you research what type of tree you want ahead of time.
- Make sure the tree lot attendant cuts a fresh base for you and that you take it straight home and put it in water.
Caring for your tree
- Use a tree stand that holds water and keep it filled. Trees can drink up to a gallon of water a day when they are fresh so be sure to keep water above the tree’s base.
- Don’t put anything in the water, some things can actually dehydrate the tree or poison pets.
- Consider LED lights as they are not only more energy-efficient, but also don’t dry the tree out as fast as traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Turn off your tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Keep the tree out of direct sunlight if possible.
- Try to keep the tree away from heat and ventilation sources to keep it from drying out.
- Think about turning your thermostat down as trees survive better in colder weather.
These few simple tips can help you pick the perfect tree and hopefully it will last until the big day!
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