My husband and I come from tropical countries where Christmas trees are mostly plastic. We now live in the United States, and I’ve wanted to buy a real Christmas tree for years, but I don’t know how to do it. Does it need to be watered? Should I wait until Christmas week to buy it so it doesn’t dry out? Will my husband and teenage son be able to carry it home without hurting our backs? Should we mount one of those stands on the roof of the car? Any advice is welcome.
You can buy Christmas trees at tree stores or nurseries. Many nurseries offer the option of sawing your own tree. It’s the best way to get the freshest tree and much more economical than buying from tree stores. It’s also a great way to create lasting memories and family traditions. In the United States, most nurseries open around Thanksgiving. My family usually goes to the nurseries on the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving. If you don’t have a saw, the nursery usually provides one. If you’re worried about not knowing how to do it, the laughter and the experience are part of the fun. Some nurseries offer to shake off loose needles and brush the tree. I recommend not brushing the tree if you can transport it unbrushed. When you get home and bring the tree inside, it’s a good idea to spray it down with a garden hose. This will eliminate any insects that may be hiding on the tree. A small syringe will also help keep the tree hydrated. Regardless of whether you purchase it from a property or a farm, it is generally recommended to re-cut the trunk immediately before planting it in the tree. Stand, similar to when you cut fresh flowers before putting them in a vase Speaking of tree stands, get one before you pick up the tree You don’t want to carry the tree home and then have to run around town finding a stand Buy a good one that’s at least suitable for the size of tree you want to buy Big size is a good thing Big size can make the tree more stable I personally bought a GOLIATH tree stand If it’s much warmer inside your house than outside, you should first move the tree to a cooler garage or another cooler room overnight before moving it into the room where it will be displayed This prevents the tree from being “shocked” by a sudden change in temperature I personally do this by lowering the temperature in the house before going to the farm After putting the tree in the living room, I increase the temperature in the house slowly and gradually In the first few days the tree will use more water than it will later, so water it every day After a few days you will notice a decrease in water consumption, but I always recommend checking the water level regularly. Avoid keeping the temperature in the house too high. The lower the temperature, the healthier the tree will be and the longer it will remain in good condition. The warmer and drier the air, the faster it will wither. If the air in your home is very dry, you can use a humidifier not only to increase humidity but also to create a greater feeling of well-being. Humidity in the air retains warmth. Here’s a trick I’ve used for decades: take a spray bottle of water, like the one a hairdresser uses to moisten hair before cutting. Every one or two days,Remove the string of lights and mist the entire tree. This keeps the tree fresh, like the morning dew outside. Using these methods, I keep a Dollar Tree up from late November until January 6, and the tree is still very fresh when I take it down. There have been years when it stayed up until February and achieved the same result. I remember one year when I took the tree down in late January or early February, took it outside, and placed the trunk in a small well that collected water from the garden. The tree stayed green until May.
I’m sure you’ll find some expert advice here, but I think even a simple Google search for basic tips will help. It’s actually not that difficult or intimidating to have a real tree; you just need to water it and be aware of fire risks. Don’t leave lights unattended, avoid open flames near the tree, and if possible, avoid using extension cords. You don’t have to wait until Christmas week. I usually set up the tree in late November and leave it until the second week of January. It might be a little dry by garbage day, but it looks great for the holidays. Yes, your husband and son should be able to carry it home. Sometimes, one person can do it. It depends on the size of your tree. If you’re going to a wooded park, someone can help you strap it to your car. You don’t need a stand. Typically, the tree is wrapped for easy transport. You will need a stand to water the tree. I don’t know if it’s best practice, but I check the water every 12 days and don’t let it dry out. Don’t let your pets drink the tree water. If you have a cat, you probably already know what to expect, but good luck. I hope you enjoy your tree. The scent of a real Christmas tree is unbeatable, in my opinion.
The lifespan of a tree depends on the species; some retain their needles better than others. Also, keep in mind that the tree needs plenty of water the first day before placing it in the stand. Make sure the water DOESN’T dry out, or the trunk will close up and can’t absorb more water. Check the tree before bed, first thing in the morning, and again at night when you get up. After a day or two, the water won’t evaporate as quickly, but check it regularly. It’s best to invest in a stand with a sufficient water supply. If you need to buy string lights, LEDs don’t emit heat and are usually more reliable, so I recommend them. A tree will last at least three weeks, probably four; some species can last even longer, so plan how long you want it to be up. Most people like to leave their tree up until January 2, but January 6 is the traditional end of the holidays. Do a little research, and some tree owners, especially those at garden centers or farms, will be able to advise you on which species to purchase.
We’ve only had one Dollar Tree. Yes, it needs watering. I check the water level daily for the first few days, then about every other day. Take a fresh cutting about 1 inch away just before putting it in water. As soon as you cut it, it forms a sap seal at the cut point. This allows for better water uptake. We always tie it to the roof of our car with string; the caterpillars aren’t necessary. I’m a woman and could carry the tree myself if I wanted to, and we usually have a tree about 8 feet tall. The needles scratch your hands and arms, and you get tiny micro-cuts that sting for about a day. Wear gloves. We got our tree the day after Thanksgiving from a farm that cuts their own trees, and it has always lasted until New Year’s. Don’t put it right next to a burning fireplace. It dries out faster. Tie it to the roof of your car with the trunk facing forward. I always see someone holding the tree upside down.