How To Choose and Prep a Christmas Tree

Riding to the farm and picking out the perfect Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition for many families. In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares valuable tips for choosing and prepping your tree. Below, we’ll help you pick the best tree type for your home and show you how to care for your Christmas tree so it will stay fresh and beautiful all winter.

Types of Christmas Trees

There are several popular tree varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Explore the varieties below to determine which one suits your needs and taste:

Balsam Fir

Balsam fir is a traditional New England Christmas tree favorite. Known for its classic pyramid shape and dark green needles, this tree has a strong, pleasant fragrance that can fill your home with the scent of the holidays. The balsam fir’s needles are soft to the touch, making it a family-friendly option for homes with small children and pets.

Douglas Fir

Douglas firs are another popular Christmas tree choice. These trees have soft green needles with good retention and a full, symmetrical shape, similar to the balsam fir. Douglas firs also have a distinctive and pleasant aroma. 

Fraser Fir

The Fraser fir has recently gained popularity, rivaling the balsam fir in many regions. Its needles are deep green on top and silvery blue on the undersides. It has stiff, solid branches and good needle retention, so it can support heavy ornaments. Fraser firs are quite compact, making them ideal for smaller rooms or apartments. 

Other Varieties

There are a few other tree varieties that aren’t as popular but would make good Christmas trees. Blue spruce is known for its unique bluish hue and strong branches, while Scotch pine is easy to care for and has great needle retention. 

Selecting Your Christmas Tree

You’ll need to evaluate tree size, shape, fragrance, and more when selecting your Christmas tree. Below, we’ve outlined some factors you should consider to ensure your tree meets your needs.

Key Characteristics

When browsing trees, keep an eye out for these important features:

• Conical shape: A symmetrical, even form is ideal for a classic Christmas tree look.
• Fresh needles: Gently pull on a branch—if many needles fall off, the tree may be too dry.
• Pleasant scent: A fragrant tree can enhance your home’s holiday atmosphere.
• Strong branches: The tree should be strong enough to support your ornaments and decorations.
• Uniform color: Look for a deep, consistent green throughout the tree.

Tree Size

Before heading to the tree lot, measure the space where you plan to place your tree. Remember to account for the following factors:

• Ceiling height
• Height of your tree topper
• Space needed for the tree stand
• Width of the area

You should also ensure your tree is not so big that it overwhelms the space or obstructs walkways.

Freshness Test

Here are a few freshness tests to check your potential tree’s health and confirm that it will look and smell good all winter:

1. Gently bend a needle. It should flex and not break.
2. Lift the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the stump. If the tree is fresh, only a few inner needles should fall.
3. The trunk should be sticky with resin if recently cut.

Netting and Transport

Protect your tree and handle it carefully to get it home from the tree farm without damage. Ask the tree lot staff to run your tree through a baler, which will tightly wrap it in plastic netting. This netting protects the branches and makes the tree easier to handle during transport and setup. Keep the netting on until you’ve placed the tree in its final location in your home.

Preparing Your Christmas Tree for Display

Now that you’ve selected your tree, read on to learn how to trim it and set up your tree stand.  

Trimming the Tree

Before bringing your tree inside, follow these steps to trim it properly so it fits in your stand:

1. Use a handsaw to cut 1–2 inches off the base of the trunk. This fresh cut prevents the sap from sealing off and allows the tree to absorb water better.
2. Trim some lower branches using a handsaw or lopper so the tree fits in the stand.
3. Shake the tree or use a mechanical tree shaker to remove loose needles and debris.

Using a Tree Stand

The next step is to set up your tree stand. Use a high-quality stand with enough water capacity to keep your tree healthy and prevent it from drying out. Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Choose a stand with a deep well for water, capable of holding at least 1 gallon.
2. If you’re using a stand with a center spike, position your tree over it and use a rubber mallet to tap the tree securely into place.
3. Tighten the screws or bolts of the stand to keep the tree straight and stable.

Caring for Your Christmas Tree

Keep your tree as beautiful and lush as the day you cut it down with these helpful tips.

Make It Last

Use a spray-on antidesiccant to extend your Christmas tree’s lifespan. This helps seal in moisture, which reduces needle drop and keeps your tree looking fresh. Avoid putting heavy ornaments on delicate, skinny, or weak branches to prevent breakage.

Prevent Fire Hazards

Christmas trees can be a fire risk if you don’t take the proper precautions. Avoid placing your tree near open flames or heat sources. Check that all electrical decorations are in good working order and always unplug them when you’re not using them. Keep up with your watering schedule because a dry tree is a major fire hazard.

Protect Your Tree

Be mindful of your tree’s proximity to heat and light to help it stay vibrant and avoid drying out. Consider the following tips:

• Keep your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or sunny windows.
• Lower the room temperature if possible.
• Turn off tree lights when you’re not home or while sleeping.
• Use LED lights, which produce less heat and reduce drying.

Water Your Tree

Maintain a consistent watering schedule so your tree stays green and healthy. Follow these guidelines:

• Check the water level daily, especially during the tree’s first week in your home.
• Expect to refill the stand multiple times in the first 24 hours, as freshly cut trees can absorb a gallon or more per day.
• Never let the water level drop below the cut end of the trunk.
• Use only plain, cold tap water. Additives like sugar or aspirin are unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Disposing of Your Christmas Tree

When the holiday season ends, dispose of your tree in a responsible, eco-friendly manner by doing the following:

• Check with your local waste management authority for curbside pickup dates.
• Give your tree to recycling programs that turn trees into mulch or use them for erosion prevention.
• Remove all decorations, tinsel, and lights before disposal.

Tools: