Selecting and Caring for a Live Christmas Tree

Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Tree

Start your holiday adventure at a local tree farm or reputable lot. When choosing your tree:

• Look for freshness. Needles should be green, flexible, and firmly attached when you gently tug a branch.

• Check the trunk. A sticky, sappy base is a good sign of freshness.

• Measure before you go! Know your ceiling height and the size of your tree stand to avoid an oversized surprise.

• Popular picks: Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and Balsam Fir all offer great needle retention and a wonderful scent.

Step 2: Prep Work Once You Bring It Home

Before bringing your tree inside, follow these quick steps:

1. Make a fresh cut about 1inch off the base of the trunk to reopen the pores for water absorption.

2. Place it in water immediately, even a few hours without water can cause the base to seal over.

3. Let it rest in a cool, sheltered spot (like a garage) if you’re not decorating it right away.

Step 3: Where to Place Your Tree

Location is key for beauty and safety.

• Avoid heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or direct sunlight, which can dry out the tree quickly.

• Keep clear of high-traffic areas to prevent accidental tipping or cord tripping hazards.

• Use a sturdy, wide-based tree stand that can hold at least a gallon of water. Check daily.

Pro tip: A well-hydrated tree can drink up to a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter each day, keep that stand topped off!

Step 4: Lighting Your Tree the Right Way

Nothing says Christmas like twinkling lights, but choose and use them wisely:

• Inspect your lights before hanging. Toss out any strands with frayed wires or broken

bulbs.

• Use LED lights, they stay cooler, use less energy, and last longer.

• Never overload outlets or daisy-chain more than three light strands together.

• Turn lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.

Step 5: Holiday Safety Reminders

A few simple precautions can help keep your holidays merry and bright:

• Keep candles far from the tree (or opt for battery-powered alternatives).

• Use non-flammable ornaments and decorations.

• Check smoke detectors to ensure they’re working properly before you plug in the lights.

• Keep pets and small children supervised around the tree and cords.

Step 6: After the Holidays Tree Disposal

When the festivities wind down, it’s time to bid farewell to your tree responsibly:

• Don’t burn it in the fireplace! Dry pine needles ignite quickly and can cause chimney

fires.

• Look for local recycling programs, many towns offer curbside pickup or drop-off sites

where trees are chipped into mulch.

• Give back to nature: Some communities use old trees to create wildlife habitats or

erosion control barriers.

Wrap-Up

A little care and attention go a long way in keeping your live Christmas tree beautiful and your home safe throughout the holiday season. From selection to disposal, these simple steps ensure your tree shines brightly all season long without the stress.

From all of us at Advance Home Pros, we wish you a safe, happy, and joy-filled holiday season!