Christmas trees are a fantastic way to brighten the interior of a home and bring some of the Christmas spirit into your house. However, choosing the right tree for your home can be a difficult process if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To help you in your search for that perfect tree, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Know What Kind of Tree You Want – Each species is just a little different and so you need to find the tree that best matches the needs and wants of your family. For example, families with small children might opt for pines or firs instead of spruce trees, due to the fact that the needles are softer and not as sharp.
Look for a Fresh Tree – When shopping for a tree, bend a needle in half with your fingers. The needle from a fresh fir should snap, whereas those from a fresh pine should bend, but not break.
Check for Secure Needles – To find a tree that will last, gently grab the inside of a branch and pull your hand towards you. The needles should stay affixed to the tree. An alternative option is to gently tap the cut end of the tree to the ground. If only a few needles fall off, you’re in good shape. However, if you find the ground littered with falling needles, keep shopping for a better, fresher tree.
Look For Even Coloring – This is somewhat self-explanatory, but look for a tree that is colored evenly throughout. Some types of Christmas trees will change over time from being rich green to dull-gray green as they dry throughout the season.
Measure Twice, Cut Once – Before leaving your home, measure both the height of the ceiling and the height of your Christmas tree stand and have your tree cut accordingly. This will ensure that it is the correct height to decorate your space.
Cut the Trunk Fresh – Once you’ve brought the tree home, cut half an inch from the bottom of the tree’s trunk (you can also have them do this at the tree lot before taking it home). The fresh cut will absorb more water, allowing the tree to hold its needles and color for a longer period of time. Put the tree in water as quickly as possible once the cut has been made.
Keep Your Tree Cool – Few things capture the feel of Christmas more than a tree standing near a fireplace. However, having a tree near a fireplace, or any other source of heat, is not only hazardous, but will dry your tree out faster causing discoloration.
Maintain Moisture – To keep your tree at its best, keep water in your tree stand at all times. You may need to add water two or even three times a day during the first few days after placing it in the tree stand.
For other decorating tips and ideas, contact our offices in Joplin, MO. Our interior decorators and designers specialize in designing interiors for the home and can help you create the look you’ve been dreaming of for your home or business. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.