Selecting the perfect holiday centerpiece marks the start of the festive season. Choosing the ideal Christmas tree requires considering several factors, including the initial choice between a live or synthetic option and the specific characteristics of different evergreen species. Making an informed decision ensures the tree remains safe, fresh, and beautiful throughout the celebration period. Assessing quality on the lot and properly caring for the tree once it is home determine its longevity and visual appeal.
The Fundamental Choice: Real Versus Artificial
The first decision involves weighing the authenticity of a natural tree against the convenience of a synthetic one. Real trees provide a distinct, natural aroma and the traditional experience of selecting a live specimen. However, they require daily maintenance, can trigger allergies, and result in ongoing annual costs.
Artificial trees offer convenience and minimal mess, eliminating the need for daily watering and needle cleanup. While their initial purchase price (ranging from $100 to over $600 for high-quality models) is higher, they become more cost-effective over time. A well-maintained artificial tree can last an average of 7 to 15 years, offsetting the yearly expense of a fresh-cut tree.
Selecting the Right Real Tree Species
For those who choose the natural experience, the specific species determines the tree’s characteristics, including scent strength, branch stiffness, and needle retention.
Fraser Fir
The Fraser Fir is favored for its excellent needle retention and stiff, upturned branches capable of supporting heavier ornaments. This species offers a pleasant, woodsy fragrance and beautiful dark blue-green needles.
Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir is recognized for its sweet, fresh scent and soft, dense needles. While it offers good needle retention when adequately watered, its branches are less rigid than the Fraser Fir, making it better suited for lighter decorations.
Scotch Pine
The Scotch Pine, the most widely planted commercial Christmas tree in North America, provides excellent needle retention even if the water level drops temporarily. It possesses very stiff branches that handle heavy ornaments well.
Assessing Freshness and Quality
Inspecting the tree’s freshness on the lot is paramount to ensure a long-lasting display.
The Needle Test
A simple test is to grasp a branch and gently run your hand along the needles; if excessive green needles fall off, the tree is likely dehydrated. While a few brown, inner needles may drop, the new, green needles should remain firmly attached.
The Bend Test
A second physical check is the “bend test,” where you gently flex the outer branches. They should feel pliable and spring back into position. A dry tree’s branches will be stiff and brittle, snapping easily under light pressure. Look for a vibrant, rich green color, as a washed-out or dull appearance indicates the tree is past its prime.
Essential Setup and Care for Longevity
Proper preparation upon arrival at home is the most important step for extending a cut tree’s life.
Fresh Cut
The base of the trunk must receive a fresh, straight cut, removing a half-inch to one-inch disk of wood before placing it in the stand. This cut removes the resin seal that forms over the water-conducting tissues after the tree is harvested, allowing for immediate water uptake.
Watering
The tree stand must have an adequate water capacity, generally requiring one quart of water for every inch of the trunk’s diameter. A freshly cut tree can absorb a significant volume of water, sometimes up to a gallon per day in the first week. The reservoir must be checked and refilled daily to ensure the water level never drops below the trunk’s base.
Placement
Placing the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, heating vents, or direct sunlight will slow the drying process. This significantly reduces the risk of the tree becoming a fire hazard.