How to Choose a Real Christmas Tree

The time has come for you to pick out your Christmas tree. Choosing your real Christmas tree is an exciting family activity for many and this year, we have some tips on how to choose the best one that will last throughout the festive season!

Choose your Space

Before you head over and pick up this years’ Christmas tree, choose the place that you will set it up in your home. Avoid tight spaces so that your tree doesn’t obstruct any areas and so that you don’t brush passed it when walking around your home. Putting your tree in a small space will also make it look cramped and less aesthetically pleasing. Make sure to also avoid placing it near heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces.

For optimum results, measure the space you’re planning on placing your tree in and choose a size from there. Remember to measure the height from floor to ceiling and take the stand that will be used and your tree topper into account too.

Types of Trees

If you’re super serious about the kind of Christmas tree you’re getting, you may want to know about the different types. Here are a few:

Nordmann fir – A popular tree, with great needle retention, has a full shape, and a glossy green colour.

Norway spruce – Has the classic fresh scent, and a nice pyramid shape, but it is prone to dropping needles so is better for cooler rooms.

Noble fir - A luxury tree, has blue-tinged needles, large and spaced shaping for decorating.

Choose your Tree

When you start looking around at the Christmas trees, you will notice that each one is unique. Keep a few things in mind and look out for a tree that ticks all the boxes for you and your household.

Colour – It’s personal preference whether you want a lighter or darker colour green for your tree. While checking out the colour of your tree, look out for any grey or brown as this could be a sign that the tree will not last very long.

Feel – Pine and fir trees have softer needles while spruce trees have sharper needles. If you have kids or pets, you might choose the former to keep them safe

Freshness – You don’t want your Christmas tree becoming sparse on the days leading up to Christmas. Before bringing a tree home, check the needles as it will indicate the condition that the tree is in. Run your hands through the branches or drop the tree a few inches to see if many needles fall off. As said before, trees like the Norway spruce are prone to dropping so keep that into account – it doesn’t necessarily mean the tree is in bad condition.

You can also test the freshness by bending a needle from the tree. Firs should snap while pines should bend and not break. As well as this, the trunk should have a slight stickiness to it. 

Shape – You’ll probably be looking for quite a full tree, but one thing is to remember that you will be adding decoration to it. If the tree looks very full without ornaments, it may be difficult to decorate. Take a look at the shape of your tree from every angle. Have someone turn it around for you take a step back and look at it.

Freshen & Preserve your Tree

Cut off the netting and let the branches of your tree settle. Cut off about half an inch from its base in order to open up its pores. The trunk will then absorb more water, so your tree holds its needles and keeps its colour longer. Sap will form at the bottom to heal the tree, so saw off another piece and get it into water as quickly as possible. Make sure to keep the water in your tree stand topped up at all times. You may need to top it up two or three times a day the first few days.

All that’s left for you to do is gather your family or friends around and decorate your Christmas tree! Add baubles, tinsel, lights, and of course your tree topper to create a magical design. 

Once Christmas is over, recycle your tree by dropping it off at a local depot. This is a hassle free and environmentally friendly way of disposing of your tree. A quick Google search will help you to find your nearest one!