Buying a Christmas tree for the holidays involves a trial and error method. And given how prices have risen recently, this can't be depressing. Luckily for you, we have a few tricks and life hacks on how to choose the right live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025.
ContentHow to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: buy it earlyHow to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: measure the roomHow to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: study the varietiesHow to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: check for drynessHow to care for a Christmas tree: water it dailyHow to care for a Christmas tree: follow fire safety rulesHow to care for a Christmas tree: remove insectsHow to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: think about petsEnsure safe transportation of the Christmas tree
By using these tips from WomanEL, you will increase the chances that your Christmas tree will last you as long as possible.
How to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: buy it early
“The perfect time to buy a tree is the first few weeks of December. Prices will be lower. And you’ll have a lot to choose from,” says tree expert Jennifer Green.
“By then, there will be a good frost, which will help keep the tree fresher,” Green says. “If you water your tree every day with enough water, it will last the entire holiday season.”
How to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: measure the room
Before you set out to find the perfect tree, consider the space it will take up. Measure the ceiling height in the room where you’ll be putting it, then figure out how tall the tree will be in the room. A rule of thumb: A room with 8-foot ceilings can accommodate a 6-foot or 7-foot tree. And don’t forget to factor in the width of the doorway.
“Measure the width of the doorway you’ll be bringing the tree through, and make sure the tree you choose can easily fit through it,” says David Murbach, manager of the gardens at New York’s Rockefeller Center.
How to Choose a Live Christmas Tree for 2025: Explore the Varieties
Christmas trees come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties. “Blue spruces, for example, give off a silvery hue,” says Gary Chastagner, a professor of plant pathology. Pay attention to these additional characteristics of trees:
- Smell. Is the smell of your tree important to you?
- Strong branches. If you plan to decorate your tree with heavy decorations, buy a tree that can handle it.
- Soft needles. Families with young children should look out for the Weymouth Pine/Eastern White Pine, which has flexible needles that won't sting if someone gets too close.
- Good for allergy sufferers. If fresh wood brings tears to your eyes, try the pollen-free Leyland Cypress.
Also, consider the legality of the tree felling. Go to the website https://open.ukrforest.com/and enter the number on the label of a particular tree. You will be able to see where this Christmas tree was cut down and make sure that everything is legal.
How to choose a live Christmas tree for New Year 2025: Check for dryness
If you're buying a tree that's not native to your area, pay special attention to issues like the freshness of the needles, since the tree has been in transit. “Avoid trees that are lying in piles or baked in the sun—they can be dry and brittle,” says Chastagner. He recommends shaking the tree lightly to make sure it hasn't shed its green needles before you move it from the lot.
How to care for a Christmas tree: water it every day
“When setting up your tree, cut about an inch off the bottom before placing it in the stand,” says Meredith Sublett, a produce buyer for Williams Sonoma. The tree can drink up to a gallon of water in the first few days, so check and add water to the stand daily. Also, be aware of objects that can cause the tree to dry out faster.
“Keep your tree away from heaters, direct heat sources (like a fireplace), and direct sunlight,” says Green. “Christmas trees thrive in cold weather, so direct heat will shorten their lifespan.”
How to care for a Christmas tree: follow fire safety rules
The easiest way to prevent a fire in your home is to ensure Keep your tree well-watered. Be careful about what lights you use to decorate it, and if possible, opt for LED bulbs (which don't get hot). “Christmas trees don't just light up,” says Green. “Lights can cause fires.”
How to care for a Christmas tree: remove insects
Since the tree has been outdoors, it is likely to be home to insects. Small insects you may see on your tree include aphids, mantises, and spider mites. One way to keep your tree free of insects is to shake it before you buy it and bring it indoors.
You can also let the tree sit in the garage for a few days before bringing it indoors to reduce the number of crawling insects. Despite the temptation, don't use aerosol insecticides to treat your tree, as this can be a fire hazard.
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How to choose a live Christmas tree for the New Year 2025: think about pets
If you have pets, especially energetic puppies, it's best to choose an artificial tree. A live tree can be dangerous for animals that like to chew, and the oils in some trees' needles can irritate their mouths and even cause symptoms like vomiting or fatal intestinal blockage. Additionally, some trees may be treated with chemical preservatives that can make pets sick.
If you're worried that your cat or dog won't be able to stay away from the tree, buy an artificial one (and light a fir-scented candle to keep the holiday spirit alive).
Ensure safe transportation of the Christmas tree
It is very important to ensure proper transportation for the Christmas tree you are picking up home. Before you head to the parking lot, prepare ropes to secure the tree. Tree branches can damage your car's trim, so don't forget to take steps to protect your car.
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