Tips for buying the perfect Christmas Tree

Simple tips for choosing a real tree:
Traditionally, any time after the 1st of December is perfect to either visit a tree farm or the local tree stand. This is because colder weather encourages more of the sap from the tree to leave the main trunk and settle in the roots. These dormant trees hold their needles significantly longer. If you are purchasing a tree that has already been cut, keep an eye on the location and see when they get their fresh shipments. Like fresh-cut flowers, a freshly chopped tree will last much longer in your home.

Three most common varieties of trees:
Pine – With longer needles, the pine tree has a very specific look as your Christmas tree. My grandma always wanted the pine because that was what she grew up with. For ornaments, the longer pine needles and the shape of the branches make it tough to really have a lot on the tree; however, you need less to make it look full! When it comes to scent, the pine is somewhere in the middle and won’t overpower your home. Clean-up with the longer needles is significantly easier, but don’t use the vacuum! Those long needles can really jam the filter.

Spruce – One of the most popular varieties, the short-needled spruce, has long been a staple in the home come December. Perfect for ornaments and great for smell, the spruce is also one of the more economically priced trees. The spruce does have a downside, however. Spruce trees are the first to lose their needles because of our warm homes. Those small needles get everywhere, and if you have carpet, you will be pulling sharp barbs out of the pile for months.

Fir – My personal favourite and the Cadillac of Christmas trees. While the fir is not known for a strong scent, the soft short needles and great branch structure make it ideal for hanging lights and ornaments. Firs are also one of the best options for longevity, keeping their needles for up to six weeks. I love the look of the Fraser Fir because of the silver colouring under each needle. The downside of the Fir tree has to be the cost, often double the other varieties. A 6-in to 7-in Fir tree can often cost in the hundreds, which is a steep price for something decorative in your home that you recycle after a few weeks.

Tree preservation recipe:
› 4 Cups of fresh water
› 3 Tbsp. of sugar, which acts as the food
for the tree
› 1 Tsp. of vinegar, which acidifies the water promoting more absorption
› Few drops of tea-tree oil or bleach to prevent mould growth in the water
If you use this mixture every third watering for your tree and make sure that the tree stand never runs dry, you’ll significantly prolong the enjoyment of your tree.