Things You'll Need:
- A measuring tape
- Water for a live tree
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Step 1
Decide where you wish to set up the Christmas tree in your home.
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Step 2
Measure the space. You especially need to know the width and diameter of this area. If you buy a tree that is too big, it will stick out like a sore thumb. Of course, if you are planning on buying a real tree, you also need to know the height you can use, allowing room at the top for that special top ornament. Write down these measurements and take them with you when you go tree shopping. You might remember the measurements and if you do, that is great. If you don’t remember, you may possible buy a tree that is the wrong size.
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Step 3
Decide on what type of tree you want to buy. Do you want to buy an artificial tree? If you buy one of these, you do not have to worry about watering it and keeping it alive. If you decide you want an artificial tree, you need to decide whether you want a pre-lit tree (a tree that comes with some lights already attached or not. You can even get pre-decorated trees. That may be good for people who are short on time. However, they do take a lot of the fun out of Christmas decorating.
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Step 4
Head to the store, tree farm or other place that sells the type of tree you want. Begin to look at the inventory. Check prices and the quality of the trees. If you decide on buying a real tree, you must look for a few other aspects such as:
* Does the tree have any bare spots?
* Is the tree full looking enough to suit you?
* Do the needles fall from the trees when you run your hands over the tree?
* Is the tree dry? A good rule of thumb to check this out is by carefully bending back one of the branches of the tree. When you do this, does the branch easily go back into place or does it break off easily? If it breaks off easily, chances are that it is starting to become dry. -
Step 5
Buy the tree you like. If you buy an artificial tree, you can decorate it and place it in your home whenever you decide. If you buy a real tree, you can decorate it whenever you like and place it in the perfect location whenever as well. But you must get the tree into water within two hours after buying, at least or you will have to cut the base of the tree once more, because the sap will have dried up at the bottom of the tree.
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Step 6
An artificial tree will need no care, except for watching for normal fire hazards, cuts in cords of electric lights, etc. A real tree will need watered. The first day, the tree should be given a gallon of water to drink and from then on about a quart of water a day.
