{"id":70488,"date":"2025-11-17T20:11:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T23:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=70488"},"modified":"2026-01-05T10:05:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T13:05:55","slug":"how-to-select-right-christmas-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Select the Right Christmas Tree"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing the perfect Christmas tree involves more than picking the tallest or fullest option. We cover everything from selecting the right variety to inspecting for quality, ensuring your tree stays fresh throughout the holiday season.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Whether you&#8217;re buying from a local lot or cutting your own, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. This guide combines my personal tips from years of tree shopping with expert advice from Christmas tree professionals to help you select and care for the perfect tree.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-1bd0bbe1-e0ad-4177-b367-03e14211dd6b\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">LawnStarter&#8217;s tips to find your perfect tree:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#0-size-up-your-space\" style=\"\">Size Up Your Space<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#1-know-your-trees-before-you-go\" style=\"\">Know Your Trees Before You Go<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#2-pre-cut-or-cut-your-own\" style=\"\">Pre-Cut or Cut Your Own?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#3-view-the-tree-from-all-angles\" style=\"\">View the Tree from All Angles<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#4-inspect-the-trunk\" style=\"\">Inspect the Trunk<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#5-check-pre-cut-trees-for-freshness\" style=\"\">Check Pre-Cut Trees for Freshness<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#6-shake-it-out\" style=\"\">Shake It Out<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#7-faq-about-selecting-a-christmas-tree\" style=\"\">FAQ About Selecting a Christmas Tree<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-size-up-your-space\">Size Up Your Space<\/h2>    <p>Before setting out to find your tree, determine how much space you have at home. You don\u2019t want a tree too big for the space, nor one that looks underwhelming.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>First, decide where you\u2019ll put it. Avoid placing your tree near heat sources like radiators, heating vents, or fireplaces.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Measure the ceiling height and the available width for branches.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Take the height of the ceiling and subtract the height of the tree stand, your tree topper ornament, and 6 to 10 inches to keep the tree from brushing the ceiling. This will give you the maximum tree height to buy.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-know-your-trees-before-you-go\">Know Your Trees Before You Go<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small.jpg\" alt=\"Collage of 8 types of popular Christmas trees: noble fir, fraser fir, douglas fir, Scotch pine, balsam fir, blue spruce, nordmann fir, and Eastern white pine.\" class=\"wp-image-143028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small-656x656.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tree-types-NEW-small-928x928.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustration by Whitney Lehnecker \/ LawnStarter; Photos from <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adobe Stock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>It\u2019s helpful to have an idea of what you want before you head out.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>There are almost 20 Christmas tree species grown across the United States, but most lots and tree farms offer only a handful or so to choose from. The exact varieties will depend on local clientele preferences, as well as the specifics of the farm.<\/p>    <p>Coates Christmas Trees of Auburn, Washington, grows varieties that are \u201cconducive to the soil that I&#8217;m growing them in,\u201d according to Jeff Coates, 1st-generation owner. His number 1 seller is the noble fir.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Scott and Jill Western, 3rd-generation owners of Western\u2019s Tree Farm in Applegate, Michigan, can\u2019t grow nobles. He has to consider his \u201ccold climate\u201d and \u201cshorter growing season.\u201d For Western\u2019s, the \u201cFraser has come out on top.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>In Idaho Falls, Idaho, Angela French, nursery supervisor at Town &amp; Country Gardens, is limited by what she can get from her wholesalers. She\u2019d like to try a newer variety, the Korean fir. \u201cOne of our companies grows it,\u201d but the trees aren\u2019t big enough to sell yet.&nbsp;<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes left-align-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong>Popular Types of Christmas Trees: <\/strong>When picking out a tree, I suggest thinking about what\u2019s important to you. Do you want a tree that smells good or is a particular color? Or do you need one with sturdy branches to hold heavy ornaments? Below is a quick rundown of popular options.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Noble fir<\/strong><\/td><td>Features rigid branches ideal for heavy ornaments&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fraser fir<\/strong><\/td><td>Has excellent needle retention, which means less shedding (and less to vacuum)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Douglas fir<\/strong><\/td><td>An affordable option with soft needles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Scotch pine<\/strong><\/td><td>Has sturdy branches and is budget-friendly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Balsam fir<\/strong><\/td><td>Offers the strongest fragrance&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Blue spruce<\/strong><\/td><td>Stands out with striking silver-blue needles, though they&#8217;re pretty sharp<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nordmann fir<\/strong><\/td><td>Has minimal aroma and resin, making it an allergy-friendly choice&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eastern white pine<\/strong><\/td><td>Offers soft, gentle needles perfect for families with young children<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p>While it may seem like tree farms have an endless supply, they may sell only a certain number of a specific tree each year. And lots may order only a set number, and not receive a second shipment. If a farm or a lot is out of the tree you want, you\u2019ll need a second choice.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-pre-cut-or-cut-your-own\">Pre-Cut or Cut Your Own?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Rows of green, precut Christmas trees sit in an outdoor lot.\" class=\"wp-image-143013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/precut-christmas-tree-928x619.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Precut Christmas trees. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/christmas-trees-in-the-farm-market-for-sale-in-holiday-season\/184120404?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nd700<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>The last big question to answer at home: Do you want a pre-cut tree, or do you want to cut your own? Both are popular options.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>According to the National Christmas Tree Association, approximately <strong>25 to 30 million real Christmas trees<\/strong> are sold each year in the U.S. Approximately <strong>78% are purchased from tree lots<\/strong>, and <strong>22% cut their own trees<\/strong> down.<\/p>    <p>There are pros and cons to each option, and like the type of tree, the choice comes down to personal preference.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Pros of Tree Lots<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>The Cons of Tree Lots<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Convenient location<br>\u2713 No physical exertion<br>\u2713 No equipment needed<br>\u2713 May support local organizations, churches, or small businesses<\/td><td>\u2717 Trees aren\u2019t as fresh<br>\u2717 Popular sizes and species sell out quickly<br>\u2717 Less of an experience<br>\u2717 Trees are often transported long distances<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Pros of Cutting Your Own<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>The Cons of Cutting Your Own<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2713 Freshest tree possible<br>\u2713 More to choose from<br>\u2713 Creates lasting holiday memories<br>\u2713 Supports local farms<br>\u2713 Shorter transportation distance = smaller environmental footprint<\/td><td>\u2717 Takes more time<br>\u2717 Labor-intensive<br>\u2717 You&#8217;re outside in winter conditions<br>\u2717 Usually further away<br>\u2717 Popular farms are busy on weekends<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p>The Western\u2019s feel the No. 1 advantage of cutting your own is that \u201cthe selection is limitless, when you&#8217;re walking out in a field,\u201d but the experience itself adds to it. \u201cI think when you&#8217;re going out to cut a tree in the field, it&#8217;s a whole different anticipation of an experience. You&#8217;re dressing for it. You&#8217;re gonna make sure you&#8217;re gonna take photos,\u201d says Scott.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Jill adds, \u201cIt\u2019s pretty touching\u2026it&#8217;s a family experience, you know, to bring everybody together and to have those memories, (and we) get to be in the mix of all of it.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-view-the-tree-from-all-angles\">View the Tree from All Angles<\/h2>    <p>Walk around the tree looking at it from every side. You want a tree that looks good from multiple angles, especially if it will be visible from different areas of your home. Look for bare patches, uneven growth, or flat spots that aren\u2019t easily visible.<\/p>    <p>Town &amp; Country Gardens \u201chang(s) them off the ground.\u201d French says, \u201cThat way, people can see all sides of the trees.\u201d<\/p>    <p><strong><em>My Experience: <\/em><\/strong><em>I always tuck our tree in a corner, so I focus on what will end up being the front and sides. I can hide a hole or a wonky branch against the wall.<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-inspect-the-trunk\">Inspect the Trunk<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/select-christmas-tree.jpg\" alt=\"A family at a tree farm examines a freshly cut Christmas tree as a child points at its trunk.\" class=\"wp-image-142971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/select-christmas-tree.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/select-christmas-tree-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/select-christmas-tree-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/select-christmas-tree-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/select-christmas-tree-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Make sure your tree has a straight trunk before cutting it. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/crop-black-people-picking-christmas-tree-5727746\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Make sure the trunk is reasonably straight, especially the bottom 6 to 8 inches. A crooked trunk will make the tree unstable in the stand and hard to position.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>To help customers, Coates explained, \u201cWe tie sticks in the tops so that we can make sure they grow straight.\u201d<\/p>    <p>The trunk also needs to be narrow enough to fit in your tree stand. Shaving it down removes the cambium layer underneath the bark, and your tree won\u2019t take in water.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-check-pre-cut-trees-for-freshness\">Check Pre-Cut Trees for Freshness<\/h2>    <p>According to French, the best way is the pull test.<\/p>    <p>\u201cEvergreens naturally have needle drop on the inside of the tree, so you can&#8217;t just look at needle drop in general. Take your hand and kind of grab the branch, and pull along it, not against the grain. If you get a whole bunch of green needles that come off, then that tree hasn&#8217;t been stored properly. It&#8217;s drying out faster.\u201d<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width:100%;max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden;\">   <iframe     src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/d5J9enkfWzg?si=g8RfUej2n2hrur9R\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"     allowfullscreen style=\"display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16\/9; border: none;\"><br \/>   <\/iframe> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-shake-it-out\">Shake It Out<\/h2>    <p>Pick up pre-cut trees and tap the trunk on the ground a couple of times.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>It\u2019s normal for dead needles to fall from the center of the tree, but you don\u2019t want a lot to fall off the ends of the branches or for green needles to drop.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Scott Western of Western\u2019s Tree Farm mentions that pine trees hold their needles for only 2 years, \u201cso they have a lot of dead within them.\u201d Spruces and fir \u201chold upwards of 5 years&#8217; worth of needles, so there\u2019s a lot less dead inside.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-faq-about-selecting-a-christmas-tree\">FAQ About Selecting a Christmas Tree<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1763283009859\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Should you Care for Your Christmas Tree Right After you Purchase It?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Coates says the most important thing is to put your tree in water as soon as you get home, even if you aren\u2019t bringing it indoors right away.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\u201cI always let customers know that they&#8217;ve got about a 2-hour window after we give the tree a fresh cut before the sap will begin its process to cover up the butt of the tree. So, if you&#8217;re not going to have it up and in water in 2 hours, then you need to give it a fresh cut.\u201d\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1763283018415\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Should you Maintain Your Tree While it is up for the Season?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The most important thing is keeping the base of the trunk covered with water.<br\/><br\/>\u201c(Your tree) will take a lot of water at the beginning,\u201d says Coates. \u201cA lot of people will fill the stand, and then the tree sucks it all up at nighttime. You get up the next day, and the water is below the butt of the tree. All it has to do is sit for a couple of hours, and it will begin to sap over, and it won&#8217;t take any more water the rest of the time. So the first couple of days, you really, really need to do what&#8217;s necessary to keep that stand full of water.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1763283029282\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does a Fresh Christmas Tree Typically Last Indoors?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When properly cared for, French says a well-watered tree will last \u201con average 3 weeks before you get to the point where if you touch it, you&#8217;ll get that needle drop.\u201d Frasier and noble firs can last longer; varieties like Norway spruce may last only 2 to 3 weeks.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1763283033965\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I Add Anything to the Water to Extend the Tree\u2019s Life?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">According to Bert Cregg, professor at Michigan State University, \u201cWe recommend plain tap water. The most important thing is to provide a steady supply of water and to not allow the tree to run out of water. Floral preservatives, aspirin, bleach, soda pop, etc., will not improve water uptake.\u201d<br\/><br\/>When asked about his thoughts, Coates explained that preservatives don\u2019t keep the tree fresh, but he believes they can be helpful. \u201cTree preserve leaves that film on the bottom of the tree, to keep that sap from forming (a barrier), so it&#8217;ll keep taking water.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1763283043766\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Keep my Christmas Tree Fresh by Misting the Branches?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Trees primarily absorb water through their trunk, not their needles, but misting will provide some benefits.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Town &amp; Country Gardens hoses their trees down twice a day. French confirmed trees don\u2019t absorb much water through their needles, \u201cbut the main key is to keep the humidity up so they&#8217;re not losing as much (water) through the needles.\u201d<br\/><br\/>Light misting can also help reduce static and dust, making your tree look fresher.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1763283062481\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Should I Do if my Tree Stops Drinking Water?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A tree will stop taking in water if the water level drops below the bottom of the trunk, allowing the sap to harden. Remove the tree from the stand and cut 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk. Thoroughly clean the stand, return the tree to it, and refill with fresh water.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-ready-to-find-your-christmas-tree\">Ready to Find Your Christmas Tree?<\/h2>    <p>With these tips, you&#8217;re ready to select a beautiful, fresh Christmas tree that will last throughout the holiday season. If you&#8217;re interested in cutting your own tree, check out our step-by-step guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-cut-own-christmas-tree\/\">how to cut down a Christmas tree<\/a>. And when the holidays end, LawnStarter will show you the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/ways-to-dispose-christmas-tree\/\">best ways to dispose of your tree<\/a> responsibly.<\/p>    <p>Once spring arrives, hire one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/lawn-care\">local lawn care pros<\/a> to clean up winter debris and start mowing to get your lawn off to a healthy start for the growing season.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-48e053e9-27da-4943-a327-c231957d5bb7\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-48e053e9-27da-4943-a327-c231957d5bb7\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-48e053e9-27da-4943-a327-c231957d5bb7\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-48e053e9-27da-4943-a327-c231957d5bb7\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/realchristmastreeboard.com\/tree-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tree Guide<\/a>.\u201d Real Christmas Tree Board.\u00a0<\/li>    <li>Jeff Coates, 1st-generation owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coateschristmastrees.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coates Christmas Trees<\/a>, Auburn, WA. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>Scott and Jill Western, 3rd-generation owners of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernstreefarm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Western\u2019s Tree Farm<\/a>, Applegate, MI. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>Angela French. Nursery supervisor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mygardengeek.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Town &amp; Country Gardens<\/a>, Idaho Falls, ID. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/realchristmastrees.org\/education\/quick-tree-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quick Tree Facts<\/a>.\u201d National Christmas Tree Association.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/people\/bert_cregg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bert Cregg<\/a>, Ph.D. Professor of Forestry and Horticulture. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Personal interview.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image: A woman picks out a precut Christmas tree. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/pretty-blonde-girl-looking-for-perfect-christmas-tree-to-buy-on-the-tree-shop-outdoor-girl-using-hand-for-check-the-quality-copy-space-image\/243102623?prev_url=detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Serhiy Hipskyy<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choose the perfect Christmas tree with expert tips on selecting varieties, inspecting for quality, and keeping your tree fresh throughout the holiday 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With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/amanda-shiffler\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283009859","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283009859","name":"How Should you Care for Your Christmas Tree Right After you Purchase It?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Coates says the most important thing is to put your tree in water as soon as you get home, even if you aren\u2019t bringing it indoors right away.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\u201cI always let customers know that they've got about a 2-hour window after we give the tree a fresh cut before the sap will begin its process to cover up the butt of the tree. So, if you're not going to have it up and in water in 2 hours, then you need to give it a fresh cut.\u201d\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283018415","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283018415","name":"How Should you Maintain Your Tree While it is up for the Season?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The most important thing is keeping the base of the trunk covered with water.<br\/><br\/>\u201c(Your tree) will take a lot of water at the beginning,\u201d says Coates. \u201cA lot of people will fill the stand, and then the tree sucks it all up at nighttime. You get up the next day, and the water is below the butt of the tree. All it has to do is sit for a couple of hours, and it will begin to sap over, and it won't take any more water the rest of the time. So the first couple of days, you really, really need to do what's necessary to keep that stand full of water.\u201d","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283029282","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283029282","name":"How Long Does a Fresh Christmas Tree Typically Last Indoors?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When properly cared for, French says a well-watered tree will last \u201con average 3 weeks before you get to the point where if you touch it, you'll get that needle drop.\u201d Frasier and noble firs can last longer; varieties like Norway spruce may last only 2 to 3 weeks.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283033965","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283033965","name":"Should I Add Anything to the Water to Extend the Tree\u2019s Life?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"According to Bert Cregg, professor at Michigan State University, \u201cWe recommend plain tap water. The most important thing is to provide a steady supply of water and to not allow the tree to run out of water. Floral preservatives, aspirin, bleach, soda pop, etc., will not improve water uptake.\u201d<br\/><br\/>When asked about his thoughts, Coates explained that preservatives don\u2019t keep the tree fresh, but he believes they can be helpful. \u201cTree preserve leaves that film on the bottom of the tree, to keep that sap from forming (a barrier), so it'll keep taking water.\u201d","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283043766","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283043766","name":"Can I Keep my Christmas Tree Fresh by Misting the Branches?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Trees primarily absorb water through their trunk, not their needles, but misting will provide some benefits.\u00a0<br\/><br\/>Town &amp; Country Gardens hoses their trees down twice a day. French confirmed trees don\u2019t absorb much water through their needles, \u201cbut the main key is to keep the humidity up so they're not losing as much (water) through the needles.\u201d<br\/><br\/>Light misting can also help reduce static and dust, making your tree look fresher.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283062481","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-select-right-christmas-tree\/#faq-question-1763283062481","name":"What Should I Do if my Tree Stops Drinking Water?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A tree will stop taking in water if the water level drops below the bottom of the trunk, allowing the sap to harden. Remove the tree from the stand and cut 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk. Thoroughly clean the stand, return the tree to it, and refill with fresh water.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70488"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70488\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/143009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}