Tips for Choosing the Best Christmas Tree

We've got some tips for choosing the right Christmas tree for your home.

Choosing the right Christmas Tree
Make sure you measure accurately the area you will keep your tree. Not just the ceiling height but also the diameter and maximum width. Remember to subtract the height of your stand and the tree topper you want to use to get the maximum tree height you can fit. Also clear the space where you'll put the tree and see how deep it is. Different species are different girths, so you want to be sure you won't be squishing the branches against the wall.

Just like shopping for organic fruits and vegetables from your farmers market you should shop local for the freshest and healthiest tree. Most Christmas trees are cut about 3 to 4 weeks before they arrive on the lot--usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Choosing the right tree is like picking ripe fruit: you should smell and touch the tree.

1. Test the branches.
Grab any branch on the tree between your thumb and forefinger, gently clamp down and pull towards yourself. If you end up with a handful of needles, the tree is already past its prime.

2. Crush the needles
In your hand and then check the scent. "If the tree doesn't smell enough, don't buy it"

   

3. Bounce the tree
Hold it a few inches above the ground and drop it. If the exterior needles fall off, it's not healthy.

4. Make sure the tree's trunk fits your stand
If you have to fit the trunk by trimming the diameter of the tree by cutting away the bark it will strip the tree of its cambium layer, which absorbs water. This is a no no. Get a smaller tree or larger stand.

If you're looking for a Christmas Tree farm we've written an article on How To Select a Christmas Tree Farm.

photo: scottfeldstein