How to Choose the Best Christmas Tree for Your Home
The season of joy is upon us, and we all need as much holiday magic as the world can provide right now. Whether you’re an avid Christmas fanatic or just happy to have a few days off from work, this series will help you choose the perfect gifts, playlists, meals and activities to make this the best Christmas ever .
Considering America is a relatively latecomer to the Christmas tree (the practice didn’t become popular here until the mid-19th century ), we’re sure to love them. While many Christmas traditions have faded into the dustbin of history , the mighty Christmas tree has endured through the years; About 35 million Christmas trees will be purchased this year, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. If you don’t have any plans to celebrate the holiday , chances are you’re one of those people.
If you think that finding a Christmas tree is as simple as going to an empty lot or tree farm down the road and picking up one that vaguely resembles a Christmas tree, you’re wrong. If you want to have the best Christmas tree experience, there are a few basic aspects you need to consider about the tree and your home. Here’s how to make sure you find the best Christmas tree.
How to choose the best place for a Christmas tree
Your first stop on the path to the best Christmas tree is deciding where to place it. Whether it’s the living room, a corner of your tiny studio, or the custom rec room you built in the west wing of the family mansion, you should avoid placing wood near a heat source (which will dry it out). turn it off) and you want it to be near an outlet (so you don’t have extension cords that confuse people and/or could burn your house down ).
Once you’ve chosen the right location, you’ll want to take measurements. First measure the height of the ceilings. Remove the leg to accommodate the stand and topper if you are using one, and this is the maximum tree height you are looking for. Measure the distance from the center of where the tree will stand to get an approximate circumference that will ensure branches don’t scratch the walls or block pedestrian traffic. Now you have the basic dimensions of the best tree for your space. Don’t forget to bring a tape measure to an area with trees.
How to choose the best Christmas tree
Although the Christmas tree has become a common symbol of the holiday season, there are a surprising number of varieties . Choosing the best one depends on the look you want:
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Traditional. If you want a “Christmas card” effect, choose balsam fir. These trees tend to have the classic triangular shape and the dark green color you want, and they tend to last a long time indoors—it’s sort of the default Christmas tree, and it will fill your home with the smell of a classic Christmas tree. . If you want something a little different but still classic, Fraser fir has a bluer hue and will last a long time.
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Suitable for children. If you have small children running around, the tough and surprisingly sharp needles of some trees can be a concern. Douglas fir has a classic appearance, but has soft, flexible needles that don’t gouge out eyes like Scots (or Scots) pine .
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Large room. If you are placing the tree in what could reasonably be called a “Great Room” or similar large space, you will need a tall, full-bodied tree such as a Douglas fir to fill the space. You can also choose the stately Norway spruce (the tree traditionally chosen to be installed at Rockefeller Center in New York), but be careful: Norway spruce is a delicate tree that won’t last long in your home.
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Minimalist. If your idea of decorating your home and tree for the holidays is to place a few dainty objects around that nod to Christmas, then the Grand fir makes a statement with its exceptionally long needles and does a good job as a light decoration. Another great choice is Noble Fir , which adds cones to the mix for a finished decoration.
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Modern. If you prefer a less classic look, Arizona cypress is a good choice. It is typically pale green in color with reddish-brown branches, creating a lush color story that is still in the traditional realm but adds a touch of drama that other trees don’t have.
Examine the tree
Once you know what kind of tree you need and where it will go, inspect it carefully to make sure you’re getting the best specimen possible. This means checking for insects and even animals or birds , making sure the needles are fresh and don’t fall off easily, and smelling the tree to make sure it has a light, fresh aroma rather than a musty or moldy smell.
Now you have the best Christmas tree, and all you have to do is take proper care of it so that it lasts throughout the holiday season .