Columnists
Pick a Tree!
If you’re at all like me and choose to have a real tree in your home for the holidays, then NOW is the time to go out and get it. I realize that those homeowners with a faux tree may already have theirs up, but for us ‘traditionalists’, waiting until the cold snap has hit the air truly signifies the start of the holiday season. Before you make the trek out to the lot or the tree farm, here are a few things to consider when choosing what type of tree will work best for you:
PINE TREES
Long-needled pines may not be what you picture when choosing your tree, but they definitely have some benefits over the other options. Pine trees have the firmest branches of the market options. This means you can load them down with garlands, lights and ornaments without fear of ‘limb droop’. Pines also hold their needles longer than the average, making them ideal for warmer homes. Pines don’t have a strong smell—that might work better if you prefer potpourri to woodsy forest. Pines have one other benefit over all of the other options; those long needles are the easiest to clean up at the end of the holiday season.
SPRUCE TREES
Probably the most popular of the Christmas tree choices, the spruce is readily available and the best value for your money. Growing up, we always had spruce trees with their little needles. With lots of fragrance, bringing in the spruce tree started a four-week long game of trying to keep the water full and the needles on the branches. It’s almost like winning the lottery if your tree has a majority of its needles left after the holidays. With lots of little branches, spruce trees are perfectly shaped for showcasing those expensive ornaments in all their glory.
THE FIR FAMILY
Called the Cadillac of Christmas trees, the fir family has it all—and a price tag to prove it. Clearly the most expensive of the options, firs are known for their fantastic smell, their soft feel and the needles, which stay on twice as long as the other trees. Unfortunately, because of their soft branches, fir trees definitely look better with fewer decorations on them, so you might have to be choosy when it comes time to dress them up.
Once you’ve found your perfect tree, make sure you get that base trimmed, which will help the tree absorb more fluids. Think of your tree like a cut flower— they last longer the sooner you get them into the vase. According to all of the tree farm experts (myself included) use clean, cold water to keep your tree looking its best.
Comments (0)