How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree!

Terrific Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree!

Shopping for a Christmas tree is a family affair at our home!  All five of us pile into the car and lots of strong opinions are expressed before the winner ends up on the top of our car!  Here are a few pointers to make tree shopping a productive and fun event!

Picking a great place to shop is the first step!  Look for a garden shop or nursery that also offers a Christmas shop!  It’s inspiring to see those beautifully decorated trees and wreaths and many specialty shops offer extras like visits and/or photos with Santa, gift shops, carriage rides and more!

Even better, travel to a farm to cut down your own tree!  Check the Yellow Pages under “Christmas Trees” or head to christmas-tree.org, where tree farms are listed by state, including detailed information about those festive little extras like offerings of hot chocolate and cookies!

Types of Trees

Select a variety that suits your family’s needs and collection of ornaments!

Blue Spruce

This tree, with powdery blue needles on the stiff branches, will offer better support for heavier ornaments.

Noble Fir

Features dense, dark green foliage and extra boughs cut from the bottom will make beautiful wreaths and garland.  This tree would be a good choice if you don’t have a lot of ornaments.

Balsam Fir

This tree would be my frst choice because the airy branches allow you to hang lots of ornaments!

White Pine

The blue green needles on this type of tree are long and soft, growing on slender branches, and well suited for small ornaments.  It has little scent and may be better for allergy sufferers.

How to Choose the Perfect Tree

• Look for a tree without large “holes” or missing branches
• Make sure that the top is straight and has only one tip
• Well spaced and airier branches will make it easier to hang ornaments
• Double check that your tree is at least one foot shorter than your ceiling to allow room for the stand and tree topper

Don’t Forget!

• The camera
• A tape measure
• Hats and gloves (especially for dad!)
• To take home the branches cut from the bottom of the tree to use for decorating
• A circular 1″ thick slice of wood cut from the bottom of the tree if this service is offered by your nursery or tree farm (see A New and Easy Christmas Tradition!)

Best of luck with your tree hunting” and enjoy this special Christmas outing with your family!

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