How to Pick a Fresh Christmas Tree (and Keep It Fresh All Season)

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of a real Christmas tree. Picking a good one (and keeping it fresh) is easy once you know a few tricks. Here’s what to look for at the tree lot and how to make your tree last until after New Year’s.

Before you go

• Measure your space: ceiling height (minus room for the topper and stand) and how wide the spot is.
• Bring a tape measure, gloves and an old blanket or tarp for the car.
• Check your stand: it should hold at least a gallon of water.

At the tree lot

• The needle test: gently pull a branch through your hand. Fresh needles bend and stay on; dry needles snap or fall off.
• The bounce test: lift the tree a few inches and tap the trunk on the ground. A few falling needles are normal; a shower of green needles means it’s dry.
• Look and smell: a fresh tree is deep green, fragrant and slightly sticky at the trunk.
• Pick your type: Fraser and Noble firs hold needles well; Douglas firs are soft and fragrant; Scotch pines are sturdy and long-lasting.

Bringing it home

1. Ask the lot to make a fresh cut, or cut 1/2 inch off the bottom yourself as soon as you get home.
2. Get it into water within a few hours, before the sap seals the cut.
3. Check the water every day, especially the first week. A tree can drink a gallon a day!
4. Keep the stand filled so the base never dries out.

Safety tips

• Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, heaters and candles.
• Use lights in good condition and turn them off when you leave or go to bed.
• Recycle the tree once needles start dropping heavily.

FAQ

How long does a real tree last?

Usually 4 to 5 weeks if you keep it watered.

Do I need to add anything to the water?

Plain water is all a tree needs.

When should we buy our tree?

Right after Thanksgiving through mid-December gives the freshest selection.

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