For those that have tried the plastic replica for your annual holiday tree for the sake of convenience, no amount of pine tree essential oils can make up for the real deal. And though they require some needle clean-up and occasional hydration, having a real Christmas tree is worth it in the end. But if youre at a pre-cut tree farm, you might be wondering how to pick the right tree. Below, weve decided to help you demystify that process with a few standard tips.
Christmas Tree Tips
Measure + Visualize
The old adage of measuring twice and cutting once is important when finding the right tree. Make sure you use an accurate tape measure to gauge floor to ceiling room. Its just as important to account for your tree stand and where youre going to put it.
How much room does that corner by your couch allow? Are you going to have the space to rearrange? Know both the width and the height, give yourself a little wiggle room in what you take home to be safe, and pre-stage the general shape that would complement your living room best.
Checking Freshness
Most tree farms or lots will shake the needles loose for looks. But checking for a loss of needles isnt always the best way to know how fresh your ideal tree may be. For certain types of pines, a freshly picked needle should snap in halfand not bendif its newer. On most trees, weight can also be indicative of freshness.
Once a tree is cut, it stops producing sap and uses up whats left in the wood. The less sap, the lighter the tree. While it can be harder to compare each tree against its healthier average, the trunk of the tree and the needles should still be somewhat sticky in sap. If youre still stumped, you can usually tip a lot worker to help you find a tree that will last you longer.
Other Helpful Tips
When youve settled on a tree, youll want to cut one inch of the trunk off to make it easier for the tree to absorb the water in your stand. You might want to bring your stand with you to make sure it will fit what youre planning to buy.
Once youve made the fresh cut, you should get the tree into water as soon as you can to prevent it from scabbing over. On top of keeping the tree hydrated, keeping it out of direct sunlight or away from the warm vent drafts can help it stay fresher for longer. Christmas Tree Tips
For those that have tried the plastic replica for your annual holiday tree for the sake of convenience, no amount of pine tree essential oils can make up for the real deal. And though they require some needle clean-up and occasional hydration, having a real Christmas tree is worth it in the end. But if youre at a pre-cut tree farm, you might be wondering how to pick the right tree. Below, weve decided to help you demystify that process with a few standard tips.
Christmas Tree Tips
Measure + Visualize
The old adage of measuring twice and cutting once is important when finding the right tree. Make sure you use an accurate tape measure to gauge floor to ceiling room. Its just as important to account for your tree stand and where youre going to put it.
How much room does that corner by your couch allow? Are you going to have the space to rearrange? Know both the width and the height, give yourself a little wiggle room in what you take home to be safe, and pre-stage the general shape that would complement your living room best.
Checking Freshness
Most tree farms or lots will shake the needles loose for looks. But checking for a loss of needles isnt always the best way to know how fresh your ideal tree may be. For certain types of pines, a freshly picked needle should snap in halfand not bendif its newer. On most trees, weight can also be indicative of freshness.
Once a tree is cut, it stops producing sap and uses up whats left in the wood. The less sap, the lighter the tree. While it can be harder to compare each tree against its healthier average, the trunk of the tree and the needles should still be somewhat sticky in sap. If youre still stumped, you can usually tip a lot worker to help you find a tree that will last you longer.
Other Helpful Tips
When youve settled on a tree, youll want to cut one inch of the trunk off to make it easier for the tree to absorb the water in your stand. You might want to bring your stand with you to make sure it will fit what youre planning to buy.
Once youve made the fresh cut, you should get the tree into water as soon as you can to prevent it from scabbing over. On top of keeping the tree hydrated, keeping it out of direct sunlight or away from the warm vent drafts can help it stay fresher for longer.