How to Find a Real Tall Thin Christmas Tree

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While full, wide Christmas trees are the more traditional choice, a tall, skinny Christmas tree can be better for some homes. This is because it is less expensive, fits into smaller spaces and looks great in corners, from the living room to the foyer.

An artificial thin Christmas tree has a smaller base diameter, ranging from 29 to 40 inches. Wider trees have larger diameters and are more pyramid-shaped than a pencil Christmas tree.

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Here are some tips to help you find the perfect, slim Christmas tree.

Shopping for slender Christmas trees

Certain species of evergreens used for Christmas trees are naturally narrower than others. The Fraser fir is a popular choice. It ranges from 5 to 9 feet and is not as wide as some of its counterparts. This tree is native to North Carolina and features upward-growing, deep blue-green needles and well-defined branches. This tall, thin Christmas tree also has a beautiful fragrance. You may have to order yours online if you cannot find this variety at your local tree farms, but keep in mind the tree height when ordering to ensure it fits in your room.

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Other varieties of Christmas tree types include the white pine, white spruce, Colorado blue spruce and Douglas fir. While these are not skinny Xmas trees, they can have a more narrow profile than some fuller-bodied types of trees. A Leyland cypress can also work (and is suitable for those with allergies), but it has a less traditional look.

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Finding and cutting thin trees

When you head out to buy a real Christmas tree, ask a salesperson if he has any of the narrower varieties. The tree farm may have trimmed down some trees on the sides already, or you can use a saw to cut off the wider branches yourself after you get the tree home. Also, measure the base of the tree to make sure it will fit into your tree stand at home.

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Wear protective gloves and eye wear and use shearing knives and hand clippers to shape a Fraser fir. Remove just a little bit at a time, stepping back to evaluate your work from a distance. Before you know it, you will have a beautiful, tall, thin Christmas tree.

Tip

Whether you buy a balsam fir, a noble fir or another type of tree for the holiday season, make sure its pine needles, especially at the branch tips, are still fresh and not brown or falling off.

Decorating a tall and skinny Christmas tree

Of course, you can also find slim artificial Christmas trees, often referred to as pencil Christmas trees. Sometimes, this is the best option if you cannot find a real tree to fit in the allotted small space. Plus, this way, you can order the exact height and width you need. These are sold in a variety of colors besides dark green, and they are fun to decorate.

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Start by choosing a color scheme for your fir or spruce tree. If the space is small, you won't want to overwhelm it with too many colors. Some experts recommend the 60-30-10 rule of design for decorating a skinny Xmas tree. With this scheme, the ornaments or Christmas tree decorations in the primary color can make up 60 percent, followed by the second color at 30 percent and the last at 10 percent. Common choices are red, gold, silver, blue and white.

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Don't shy away from hanging larger decorations as long as you have enough room.

Warm white lights or clear lights offer a classic look; just make sure the Christmas lights are UL-listed. LED lights emit less heat and are safer than incandescent lights. Layer the ornaments at the top and work your way down, trying to keep them distributed evenly throughout. Don't shy away from hanging larger decorations as long as you have enough room. You can wrap a garland or wide ribbon from top to bottom too. Choose a unique tree topper that will balance out the tree. Large, roundish toppers look especially lovely.

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Tip

Make sure your Christmas lights are UL-listed and in good condition to ensure safety.

Coordinating holiday decor

Decorate wreaths and other holiday home decor with the same style and general color scheme used on the tree's Christmas decorations. Pine cones also look nice around a centerpiece, on wreaths and in other areas where you've decorated for the holiday season.

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Once you're done decorating, sit back and enjoy your work for this entire festive season. A nice looking tree and matching Christmas decor are sure to bring joy to all in your home.

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