How to pick and care for a real Christmas tree

Posted on: November 9th, 2016

The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about using an artificial Christmas tree or going out to purchase a real one. If you decide to go with the real deal, Swingle, the Christmas lighting experts, are here to provide some tips and information on how to select and care for a real Christmas tree over the duration of the holiday season.

How to pick and care for a real Christmas tree

How to pick a Christmas tree:

• Do a needle test on the tree. Lightly pull on the branches to see if any needles fall off. If you notice a lot of needles on the ground, it’s probably best not to choose that tree as its lifespan will be short.
• If possible, buy a freshly cut tree or cut down your own. This will ensure the tree was not cut prematurely.
• Look at the needles to see if they are firm or brittle and dry. You want to find a tree in which the needles don’t easily break.

How to care for a Christmas tree:

• Bringing a tree in from the cold, outside temperatures and then immediately bringing it inside will cause the tree to dry out. Allow the tree to sit in the garage or on an unheated patio for a day or two to help the tree acclimate.
• If you bought a precut tree, saw about ¼” of the trees base off before setting it in a stand. This will allow the tree’s pores to open up and absorb water more easily.
• For every inch in diameter of the tree trunk, you will need a quart of water. For a four inch diameter tree, you will need a gallon of water. Make sure to purchase a large enough stand to hold the correct amount of liquid based on your tree size.
• Lastly, remember to keep an eye on the tree stand. Ensuring the water level never goes below the bottom of the tree.

The holidays will be gone before you know it, so make sure you get the most out of your real Christmas tree this year.

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