Christmas Tree, O’ Christmas Tree, how the Scrooge do we choose thee? Here is a step-by-step guide to discovering your perfect tree this holiday season.
Step One: What kind of Christmas tree consumer are you?
Do you prefer the charm of the hunt by going to a Christmas tree farm and cutting down your own tannenbaum? Or do you enjoy the convenience of picking one up from a nursery or lot, strapping it to the roof, and off you go? Artificial tree lovers, we didn’t forget about you. ‘Tis the season of love and joy afterall.
Step Two: Where to go
Tree Farms:
We have some amazing Christmas tree farms in the Baltimore area. They are the Starbucks of dendrology. Short, full-bodied blue spruce. Tall, spiked lodgepole pine. Don’t forget the bold, fragrant Douglas fir. Here are some top places for you, your family and friends to go huntin’.
Jarrettsville Nurseries
Hirt Tree Farm
Frostee Tree Farm
Prettyboy Run Farms
Pre-Cut Trees:
If you’re not into getting dirty, or time is of the essence, there are great nurseries and lots with lovely tree selections perfect for your home. Here are some great local options with no saws required.
Valley View Farms
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
TALMAR
Green Fields
Artificial Trees:
Low maintenance, no mess, low cost investment, crazy colors…we get the appeal. Artificial trees can range from life-like to pink tinsel and feathers. Fun is the new faux. The best part, you can purchase them in person or order them online from the comfort of your couch.
Balsam Hill
Valley View Farms
Treetopia
Target
Step Three: Common types of Christmas trees
Blue Spruce:
The blue spruces have great, waxy, gray-blue needles that tend to curve upwards and feature thick foliage that grows in a conical shape. You can’t beat what is claimed to have “the perfect Christmas tree shape.”
Douglas Fir:
Make a statement in your home with a Douglas fir. These trees have a full pyramid shape with blue or dark green leaves that have one of the richest, citrusy scents of all the Christmas trees. The leaves are flat, soft and tend to grow in bunches. Tree Trivia: The Douglas fir makes up almost half of all Christmas trees grown in the United States.
Fraser Fir:
Another tree known for its enjoyable scent, the Fraser fir has yellow-green branches that have a conical shape with branches that angle slightly upward. If you tend to go overboard with decorations, this tree is a great choice because the branches are known for being extra sturdy to withstand the weight of heavy ornaments, garlands and other holiday decor. Its leaves are needle-like and spiral along the trunk of the tree, giving off a fragrant scent.
White Pine:
The white pine has needles that grown in bundles. With bluish-green hues and pointed tips, the branches of this Christmas tree are flexible and give off little to no aroma. Due to branches that are lacking in strength, this pine tree is not recommended for heavy ornaments or large decorations.
Scotch Pine:
This pine tree is another top Christmas tree option. The Scotch pine has needles that range in color from blue-green to a darker green in the winter months, and sturdy branches. They are perfect for piling on lights and decorations. The scotch pine is also known for holding onto its needles longer than most trees, which means less clean-up post-Christmas.
Step Four: Make sure your tree is healthy and happy
Is your tree fresh? Bend a needle in half with your fingers; fresh firs should snap, while fresh pines bend and should not break.
Are the needles secure? Gently grab the inside of a branch and pull your hand toward you. The needles should stay on the tree. Alternatively, gently tap the cut end of a tree on the ground; if a few needles fall off, it should be fine. If lots of needles fall off, keep searching for a different tree.
Is the tree’s coloration even? Some types of Christmas trees will go from deep, rich green to a dull gray-green if they get too dried out.
Trim the trunk. Once you get your tree home, cut off about a half inch from the bottom of the tree’s trunk. The fresh cut will absorb more water, so your tree holds its needles and keeps its color longer. Put the tree in water as quickly as you can after making the cut.
Measure once, measure twice. There’s nothing worse than picking out the perfect tree, getting it home, and finding out it’s too tall for your room. Before you leave home, measure both your ceiling height and the height of your tree stand so you don’t have to recut the tree when you get home.
Keep the temperature just right. As tempting as it may be to place the tree next to a fireplace, know that heat sources—including a heating vent—will cause your tree to dry out faster.
Keep your tree watered properly. To keep your Christmas tree looking perfect, keep the water in your tree stand filled all the time. You may need to add water two or even three times the first few days.
Step Five: Have a Merry Little Christmas
Happy Holidays from Towson Economy Auto Rental!
