How to Purchase a REAL Christmas Tree

The purchase of a Christmas tree marks the beginning of the joyous holiday season. Consider the following tips for making the event a lasting and memorable tradition:

  • Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to the retail lot. Smaller trees can make a great tabletop display for smaller apartments or condos.
  • Do a freshness test on the trees. For firs, green needles on fresh trees break crisply when bent sharply with the fingers – much like a fresh carrot.
  • Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability and wrinkled bark. A good rule of thumb is, when in doubt about the freshness of a tree, select another one. If none of the trees on the lot look fresh, go to another lot.
  • Involve the whole family in the selecting process.
    Now that you know how to pick your perfect tree, check out our tips for caring for your real Christmas tree.





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