It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting colder, and Christmas is just around the corner. One of the most popular holiday traditions is picking out a real Christmas tree to decorate your home for Christmas Day. But how do you pick the right tree for your family? In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to choose the perfect Christmas tree for your home.
How Long Does A Real Christmas Tree Last?
How long do Christmas trees last inside? Knowing this will help you to plan when to get your tree.
You don’t want to get your tree too early and have it dry out before Christmas, or too late and have it die before New Year’s.
The average lifespan of a cut Christmas tree is about four weeks. But with proper care, your tree can last six to eight weeks.
The position of the tree will affect how long it lasts. If you place your tree near a heat source, like a fireplace or radiator, the dry heat will cause the tree to dehydrate and drop its needles more quickly. Pick a cozy spot in your living room away from any heat sources or heating vents. Ideally, you want to keep your tree in a cool room since warmer temperatures will cause it to dry out faster.
How Early Can You Get A Real Christmas Tree?
So, when is the best time to buy a real Christmas tree? We recommend buying your tree around Thanksgiving. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy it throughout the holiday season!
The Perfect Christmas Tree For Your Home
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by picking out the perfect Christmas tree for your home. But with so many different types of trees available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect Christmas tree for your home:
- First, take into account the size of your space. You’ll want to make sure that the tree is proportionate to the room so it doesn’t look too small or too large.
- Consider the type of needles that you prefer. Some people prefer softer needles, while others like them to be a bit pricklier.
- Think about how easy (or difficult) you want it to be to decorate your tree. If you want to go all out with lights and decorations, you’ll want a tree that’s easy to access so you can reach all of the branches.
- And finally, don’t forget about the scent! Christmas trees are known for their pleasant smell, so make sure to choose one that has a fragrance that you enjoy.
- Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the process! Christmas tree picking, especially with your family, is one of the best parts of the holiday season. So take your time, find the perfect tree for your home, and have fun!
Christmas Tree Size Guide
Before going out to buy the tree, you need some information about the size of your room and the height of your ceiling. This will help you determine what size tree is best for your home.
Here are some general guidelines:
- For rooms with ceilings under eight feet, we recommend a four to five-foot tree.
- For rooms with ceilings between eight and nine feet, we recommend a six to seven-foot tree.
- For rooms with ceilings over nine feet, we recommend an eight to ten-foot tree.
How To Know What Size Christmas Tree To Get
Do you know how tall your ceiling is? Get your tape measure out and get measuring. Write down:
- Ceiling height
- The maximum width that you have available for the tree
- The maximum depth that you have available for the tree
Then, for the height:
- Take the height of your ceiling
- Subtract the height of your tree topper
- Subtract another six inches for the depth below the root ball of the tree inside the tree stand, add some more if you think you need to
For the width:
The width and depth of a Christmas tree are generally much the same. Which number is smaller in your case? Was it the width or the depth? Whichever is smaller is the maximum width for your tree.
The perfect size
- Now calculate 80% of your tree’s height
- Compare this to the maximum width that you just calculated
- Is it less or more?
Since most trees are shaped by the tree farms to a percentage of 80%, you need to make sure that the 80% result is less than your available width. If the 80% is more than your width, you need to decide on a shorter tree so that it will sit in the available space.
Pro Tip: Does your Christmas tree stand sit on the floor or is it elevated? If it will add to the height of your tree, take this into account.
How Tall Should A Christmas Tree Be For A 10-Foot Ceiling?
As an example, let’s say
- Your ceiling is 10 feet tall
- Your angel tree topper is 9 inches tall
- You have 8 feet width available
- You have 5 feet depth back to the wall available
The first calculation would be:
10 feet minus 0.75 feet for the topper minus 0.5 feet for the tree stand = 8.75 feet maximum height.
Then, to check the spread of the tree will fit the space:
8.75 feet x 0.80 = 7 feet
Since the depth available is only 5 feet, this size tree will not fit the space.
To work out the height of the tree based on the width available:
5 feet divided by 0.80 = 6.25 feet
To check that the calculation is correct, do the 80% calculation again:
6.25 feet x 0.80 = 5 feet
How Heavy Is A Christmas Tree?
The weight of a Christmas tree depends on its height and species. It also depends on how long ago it was cut, that is, how much it has dried out.
In general terms:
- A Christmas tree around 5 feet tall will weigh about 30 pounds.
- A Christmas tree around 6 feet tall will weigh about 40 pounds.
- A Christmas tree around 7 feet tall will weigh about 50 pounds.
- A Christmas tree around 8 feet tall will weigh about 70 pounds.
- A Christmas tree around 9 feet tall will weigh about 80 pounds.
Common Christmas Tree Types
What type of Christmas tree is the best? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a tree. You also need to consider what trees will be available in your area.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map gives growers an indication of whether or not a plant will thrive at that location. Look at the map to check if a type of tree grows in your area.
When selecting a Christmas tree, many people first consider the type of tree. The most popular Christmas tree species are Fir, Cypress, Spruce, and Pine trees. Each type of tree has its own unique smell, color, and needle-holding ability.
Fir
If you specifically value fragrance, needle softness, and needle holding ability, a Fir would be best.
- A Noble Fir, for example, is known for its strong fragrance and soft needles. This tree also has strong branches, making it excellent for heavy ornaments.
- If you prefer a tree with fewer dropped needles, go for a Nordmann Fir. These trees have strong needles that won’t drop as easily.
- A Balsam Fir is a good option if you’re looking for a tree with a strong fragrance and needles that last.
- The Fraser Fir is a good option if you’re looking for a tree with strong needles that won’t drop easily. It’s also a good option for larger ornaments and it has a lovely scent.
- If you have small children or pets, you may want to select a tree with soft needles, such as a Douglas Fir. These trees also have excellent needle retention.
Cypress
- If you or someone at home has allergies, you may want to select a Leyland Cypress tree, as they are known for being hypoallergenic.
- An Arizona Cypress is a good choice if you want a pale green or gray tree.
Pine
A pine Christmas tree is a good choice if you are looking for a Christmas tree with long-lasting needles.
- A Scotch Pine will hold its needles the longest, up to six weeks.
- A Virginia Pine is a good choice if you are looking for a fragrant Christmas tree.
- An Eastern White Pine is a good choice if you are looking for a soft-needled tree.
Spruce
A Spruce tree is a good choice if you want a traditional-looking Christmas tree. It’s an excellent all-round Christmas tree, as it has a pleasant smell and strong needle retention.
- If you prefer a blue-green color, you may want to choose a Colorado Blue Spruce.
What To Look For At The Christmas Tree Farm Or Christmas Tree Stand
Picking the right Christmas tree is an important part of getting into the holiday spirit. The following tips will help ensure you select a tree that will fill your home with the Christmas cheer you desire.
What To Ask When You’re Researching The Best Tree Lot Or Provider
- Ask if they stock the species you have chosen; if not, ask for recommendations based on your preferences.
- Ask if they allow a tree to be selected earlier in the season and then picked up on a day of your choosing.
- Ask if they provide the service of cutting the base off the tree just before you collect the tree.
- Ask about pricing: it might be a flat rate, or it might be priced by the foot.
What To Take With You To The Christmas Tree Lot
When selecting a Christmas tree, there are a few key things you’ll want to take with you to the lot.
- First, make sure to bring along a tape measure. This will be vital in helping you select a tree that is the perfect size for your home.
- Take your flashlight to enable you to look at the inside of the tree, especially if it’s dark when you’ll be looking.
- Take your tree stand. You need to ensure that the trunk of the tree will fit into the stand without any trouble.
- You’ll also want to have an idea of the type of tree you’re looking for. Are you looking for a specific species? Or do you have allergies and need a hypoallergenic tree? Knowing what type of tree you’re after will help narrow down your search.
- Finally, don’t forget to bring some cash or a checkbook! Many Christmas tree lots only accept cash or check as payment.
Check Out The Lot
Check out the lot before making your decision. A good Christmas tree stand will have a variety of trees to choose from, so take your time and pick the one that’s perfect for you.
- If there are lots of needles lying around, choose another lot.
- Ask about the warranty. Most reputable Christmas tree stands offer a warranty on their trees. This means if your tree dies within a certain time frame, they will replace it for free.
Inspect The Tree
Inspect the tree for freshness. Freshness is key when it comes to picking the perfect Christmas tree. Avoid trees with brown needles or bark that is falling off. These are signs that the tree is not fresh and will not last long.
- Look at the color. It should be a good dark green, not faded.
- Look at the shape. Good shape is a matter of personal taste. Some people look for a perfectly symmetrical shape, but others prefer a more organic shape.
- Is the tree upright? If it’s not quite vertical, the tree stand can be adjusted to compensate. If there are some gaps in the foliage, consider if your ornaments will be enough to fill them in. If your tree will be facing a wall, you could plan to put a gap at the back.
Check The Tree Is Fresh
Looking for freshness will give you the best chance at a long-lasting tree. The tree should be firm, not limp.
- Run your hand along the branch. The needles shouldn’t fall off.
- Grip the trunk of the tree, raise a couple of inches off the ground and let it drop. Only a few needles should drop off. If any loose needles fall off, choose another tree.
- Squeeze the tips of the branches between your thumb and fingers. Flexible needles are a sign of a fresh tree.
- Bend a branch; if it snaps, it’s dried out.
- Give the tree a good sniff. If it smells sappy and like an uncut tree, it is still fresh. If there is no smell at all, move on.
- If possible, select a tree that was displayed in a shady spot.
Ask When The Tree Was Cut Down
- If it is more than 8 hours ago, a fresh cut of a quarter to half an inch needs to be made at the base. Ask the tree lot assistant to make the cut for you.
- If it is less than 8 hours ago and you can get the tree home within about half an hour of the lot, there’s no need for a fresh cut.
- If the tree lot does not offer this service, you’ll need to make sure you have an appropriate saw at home.
Other Features To Check
- Note if the tree has sharp needles. If there will be small children in or visiting your home over the holidays, this would not be the best choice.
- Consider your planned decorating. Have you got heavy ornaments? Do you hang more ornaments than average? If you’re hanging heavy decorations, you need a tree with strong branches to hold heavier ornaments.
- Check for insects or spider webs. You don’t want to bring any critters into your home!
Collecting Your Tree
Before leaving home to collect your tree:
- Make space for your tree in the spot where it will acclimate.
- Have a bucket of water ready to dunk your tree as soon as you get home.
- Have a hacksaw ready if necessary.
What to take when you’re collecting your tree:
- Take heavy gloves.
- Take rope heavy enough to hold the tree securely on your car.
- Take an old blanket or tree bag to protect your car from the sap and needles.
- Do you need to take your flashlight?
Conclusion
These are just a few tips to help you pick the perfect Christmas tree for your home. With so many different types of trees available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
But if you take into account the size of your space, the type of needles you prefer, and how easy (or difficult) you want it to be to decorate your tree, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home this holiday season!