Selecting Your Tree
There is nothing like a fresh, fragrant Christmas tree at Christmas time. That’s why we “hart” Christmas trees! While we prefer any real tree over an artificial tree, not all Christmas trees are created equal and not every tree is for everyone.
Size
Make sure you know how tall your ceilings are and what size tree you can accommodate. Trees generally look smaller on the lot. Don’t forget to allow room for the tree topper. The Christmas tree stand will add a few inches or more as well.
Style
Some tree varieties have sturdier branches than others. How heavy are your ornaments? If they are heavy, you probably do not want to purchase a tree (like a White Pine) that has very flimsy limbs. What about the trim of the tree? Even trees of the same variety, like Fraser Fir, are not trimmed the same. Some farmers trim their trees tightly and others are trimmed loosely. Depending on how you want to decorate your tree, you might want to consider whether you want a trim that is tighter or looser. In our experience, a looser trim makes it easier to display your ornaments.
Substance
Yes, you want a beautiful tree, but you also want a fresh tree. A fresh tree will be more fragrant and will last longer. The Freshness Check: If you bend the branch, does it bounce back into place? The fresher the tree, the more supple the branches and the faster they will bounce back.