How To Select The Best Real Christmas Tree

ACROSS AMERICA — When it comes to choosing the perfect holiday tree, not all trees and shopping experiences are created equal.

Whether you opt to buy your tree from a retail lot or a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, your final decision plays a big part in how to prepare and what to know ahead of the excursion.

Not sure how? Patch compiled some guidance from the National Christmas Tree Association on how to not only select the best Christmas tree this season, but also have the best experience with your family.

Buying From A Retail Lot

• Measure your space: Measure the ceiling height and width of the room where the tree will be displayed. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80 percent taper, meaning a tree that’s 10-feet tall will be 8-feet wide at the bottom.
• Consider decorations: Some tree species have more open foliage, stiffer branches or longer needles. Research the different trees, then find a lot near you that has the species you want.
• Safety first: Go to a retail lot that is well-lit and stores trees in a shaded area.
• Ask questions: Ask the retailer when and where they purchase their trees, and how many shipments they typically receive. A tree received recently will be more fresh. Also, ask which types of trees perform better in your climate.
• Do a branch and needle test for freshness: Run a branch through your closed hand — the needles should not come off easily. Bend the outer branches — they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.
• Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration: This could include excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability and wrinkled bark. If none of the trees on the lot look fresh, go to another lot.

Buying From A Choose-And-Cut Farm

• Be aware of potential hazards: Most tree farms keep their fields well-groomed, but some things are beyond the farmer’s control. Be careful of fire-ant mounds, tree stumps, an occasional blackberry vine, uneven ground and sharp saws.
• Dress for a day outside and in the country: Wear comfortable shoes and old clothes. Bring rain gear if the forecast calls for severe weather. Bring gloves and don't forget the camera. It's also best to leave the family dog at home.
• Check pricing policy before you cut: Some farms measure and price trees individually, while others sell them by the foot.
• Cutting is a two-person job: One person usually lies on the ground while the other holds the bottom limbs up. While the cut is being made, the person holding the limbs should tug on the tree lightly to ensure that the saw kerf remains open and the saw does not bind. The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite the cut.
• Shed the needles: In the fall, conifers shed a certain portion of their oldest needles. This is a normal part of the life cycle of the tree. Most farms provide shaking or blowing services so you head home with a clean tree.
• Getting the tree home: Most farms will also net your tree, which makes transporting and handling the tree substantially easier.