Pick the perfect tree: Guide for buying real Christmas trees

GRASSY CREEK, N.C. — There are plenty of options for those wanting to pick their own Christmas tree.

In Indiana, around 200 Christmas tree farms produce almost 200,000 trees a year.

According to the Real Christmas Tree Board, there are two important things to do before picking your tree.

1. Pick your spot and measure.

Choose a location in your home that has enough space for your tree, away from heat sources and strong direct sunlight, which can impact freshness. Measure your ceiling height and the width of your space.

“Don’t forget, the trees always look smaller on the lot or the farm,” said Carrie McClain, a Christmas tree grower from North Carolina. “So, make sure you know how high those ceilings are and measure your tree.”

2. Find the right stand for your tree.

The trunk size will give you an idea of how big your stand needs to be, and they’re labeled with the maximum tree height they support. The stand should hold a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter.

For large trees, look for a stand that has weight and a wide base or legs that extend beyond the stand. If you don’t already have a stand, many tree farms and retailers sell them.

Once you’ve measured and found the right stand, it’s time to visit a local farm and find the perfect tree.

“The advice I would give would be to really make an event out of it,” said Elijah Maciborski, third-generation tree farmer from Michigan.

“Make it something special that you’re going to go out and do with your family and invest in the experience.”

More Tips

• Check the branches. Gently grasp the branch to test strength and freshness. A fresh tree should feel supple with only a few green needles coming loose when pulled. Some brown needles on the interior of the tree are completely normal.

• Make a fresh cut. Ask the retailer for a fresh cut of an inch or so on the trunk so the tree can drink up plenty of water.

• Shake it out. If available on site, ask the retailer to shake your tree using a mechanical shakers. Or bump the stump of the tree on the ground several times to remove loose debris.

• Load it up. Ask your retailer bale your tree first, then secure it to your car’s roof with the tree’s trunk facing forward.

• Water immediately. Once you bring your tree home, place it in tap water as soon as possible. Keep watering daily throughout the season.

• Recycle. Once Christmas is over, recycle the tree through a local recycling program. You can also use loose needles as a soil cover, or turn the tree into mulch.

To find a tree farm in the Hoosier State, visit www.indianachristmastrees.com/tree-farms.