How to Select a Real Christmas Tree

Pick a Christmas tree that's fresh and will fit in the space you've chosen for it.

There are several types of Christmas trees commonly found at tree lots and farms; they range from pines to spruces to cypresses. The type you chose is a personal decision based on your aesthetic preferences. Some folks like the particular smell of certain trees. The key, however, is to select a tree that is fresh and will fit where you want to place it in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

Tree Lots

1. Measure the height and width of the location you wish to set up your tree. This will help to ensure that you don't select a tree that's too big.

2. Measure the tree stand to know what the minimum and maximum width the trunk of the tree needs to be.

3. Test the trees for freshness when you get to the tree lot. Bend the green needles with your fingers. If they break crisply, like breaking a carrot, the tree is fresh. Indicators that the tree is not fresh include needle loss, musty odor, discoloration or wrinkled bark. If the tree does not look fresh, move on to a different Christmas tree lot.

4. Select a tree that fits the measurements you took at home. If you are satifisfied that the tree is fresh, make sure it will fit where you want to put in your house and will fit into your tree stand. (Bring those measurements you took at home with you.) Most tree-lot proprietors will have the height of the tree labeled, as they're normally priced by the foot. If your putting a topper on your tree, such as a star or an angel, make sure to take that into consideration.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the proprietor when the trees were cut. If they are delivered regularly, they are recently cut and will remain fresh longer. If the Christmas trees are delivered at the beginning of the season they may be more brittle.

• These same techniques apply when selecting a tree at a Christmas tree farm. The only difference is you may have to chop it down yourself. The farm will usually have axes and hachets for you to use.

References

• National Christmas Tree Association; Tree Species Characteristics

Resources

• Thinkquest.org; Christmas Tree Farms