5 steps for choosing the best live Christmas tree (+ how to care for it all season)
Know the do’s and don’ts of Christmas tree care before chopping one down and sticking it in your home.
Follow this guide (and check out our recommended resources below) to select the best tree for your space and keep it thriving all season long.
How to pick the best live Christmas tree
Here’s a guide to live trees in North Carolina and how to pick out the best one:
• Size: Measure your space before heading to pick out your tree, taking into account the tree stand and topper, NC State Extension recommends.
• Display: Look for a full and symmetrical shape. Take a look at the tree from several angles and from a five- to eight-foot distance, Lowe’s recommends.
If you’re displaying the tree in a corner, you only need two good “sides,” but a center-stage tree needs to look near perfect all around. The trunk shouldn’t be visible through branches, but check the tree’s posture to see if it’s standing straight.
• Shake test: Lightly shake the tree before purchasing. You’ll probably see a few falling brown needles, but if green needles fall, that means the tree is dry, Lowe’s says. Dry trees are fire hazards.
• Feel its needles: Fir needles should snap if you bend them sharply, while pines should bend and not break, Better Homes & Gardens says. If the tree has stiff needles that are losing their color, or if you can pull needles off easily, look for another tree.
• Transport safely: Bring rope or bungee cords to transport safely, Lowe’s says. Tree resin and branches can damage your car’s finish, so pad both the tree and your car when bringing it home.
How to care for your cut Christmas tree so it lasts all December
Trees should stay fresh for four to six weeks with proper care. Here’s how to accomplish that:
When you first get home:
Blast the tree with a leaf blower to remove debris, loose needles and shake off bugs or egg masses that survived the trip home.
Freshen the trunk by cutting a half-inch off the bottom. The Christmas tree lot or farm may also do this for you before you load it onto your car. This will make the tree absorb more water and hold its color longer through the season.
Put it in water quickly, knowing the tree will need the most water on its first day after being cut down. Let the tree absorb fresh water for a few hours before displaying on its tree stand.
Throughout the season:
Use LED lights or small, low-temperature lights to keep heat at a minimum.
Keep heat far away, as this will make the tree dry out faster. This means, unfortunately, trees near fireplaces are a bad idea.
Water daily, as most species need about a quart a day. Keep the water level above the base of the tree in its stand.
Vacuum bugs and fallen needles.
One last (and very important) tip: Do not fumigate or use an aerosol spray insecticide. This will increase your risk of fire inside your home. Make sure you’re properly watering, cooling and cleaning your tree instead to maintain its freshness.
Keep your Christmas tree alive with these guides
For tree choice and safety tips, check out the following resources:
NC State Extension: christmastrees.ces.ncsu.edu
NC Christmas Trees: ncchristmastrees.com/choose-and-cut-your-perfect-tree
Better Homes & Gardens: bhg.com/christmas/decorating/christmas-tree-tips
This story was originally published November 17, 2023 at 3:15 PM with the headline "5 steps for choosing the best live Christmas tree (+ how to care for it all season)."
