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Step 1
Decide where the tree is going to go in your house. Measure the width of the space and the height of the ceiling. Measure the height of the tree stand and your tree topper. Also measure how wide of a trunk your tree stand can hold. Write all of these measurements down and take them with when you go tree shopping.
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Step 2
Consider what will go on the tree. Do you have a large family with lots of ornaments? If you do, you will need a larger tree with many branches. If you have particularly heavy ornaments, you will need to buy a species of tree that has strong branches.
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Step 3
Start your tree shopping early, but not too early. If you buy your tree too soon, it will be dry and brittle by the time Christmas comes, but if you wait too long, your selection will be very limited. Two to Three weeks before Christmas is a good time frame to aim for. Bring a tape measure, the measurements of the space, 2 tarps or old blankets, heavy gloves and some rope with you when you go shopping.
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Step 4
Select a tree that is fresh. Ask the salesperson when the trees were delivered and have him show you where the freshest trees are. The tree you choose should have a good green color and a nice scent. Loosely grab a branch and pull your hand along it to see how many needles come off. The needles should be flexible, not brittle, and should adhere tightly to the branch. You can also lift the tree up and bump the base of the trunk against the ground to see how many needles fall off. Expect a few needles to fall off, but if a lot of needles drop, the tree is not fresh.
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Step 5
Stand back and look at the overall shape of the tree from all sides. If your tree will be standing in the corner of the room, then the side that will be in the back does not have to be perfect. If your tree will be seen from all sides, then you will need to consider how it looks from every angle. Whether the tree you want is wide, thin, full or sparse is purely personal preference. However, you should look for a tree that has a symmetrical shape with a straight trunk and an even number of branches on all sides.
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Step 6
Break out the tape measure and make sure that the tree will fit in your room. Remember to take into account the height of the tree topper and tree stand. Push down a little on the branches to see how much weight they will hold. Make sure that the trunk will fit into your tree stand. Also, check that the trunk is long enough to fit into the stand, or that branches can be removed to make it long enough without ruining the overall shape.
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Step 7
Once you have chosen and purchased your Christmas tree, lay a blanket or tarp down inside or on top of your vehicle. Load the tree onto the blanket, trunk side first, so that you don’t damage the branches. Wrap the edges of the blanket or tarp around the tree. Place the other blanket or tarp on top to protect it from wind damage and damage from the ropes, and tie it securely. Take it home, decorate it and enjoy your beautiful Christmas tree.
Comments
Bryan2449 said
on 11/24/2008 8. Don't live in Florida! :)
craftybegonia said
on 11/20/2008 Nice article, a fresh tree is a beautiful thing.
HairCrazy said
on 11/19/2008 Great article, finding the perfect live tree is important.