Decorating your home for the winter holidays is fun and exciting as it gets people into the Chrstmas spirit. Adding bright lights and other vibrant colours to your home is one way of sprucing up your indoor and outdoor areas, and choosing the perfect Chrstimas tree for your home usually completes the job. But how do you know that the tree you are picking is ideal for your home? What should you consider and look out for when deciding on a fresh Christmas tree? In this blog we provide you with some much needed tips on how to choose the perfect Christmas tree so that you can bring back a beautiful and long-lasting tree for the holidays. We also include some information on Christmas tree farms that you can visit in the Grey Bruce region.
Think Of Placement And Space
Before you head out for your Christmas tree, consider where it will be placed inside your house. Never place your tree near heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, or heat vents as this can pose a serious fire risk to you and your loved ones. High traffic areas can also be problematic as people can easily bump into and knock over a tree, or trip on the light cords or the tree stand cover. Also, select a sturdy tree stand that can properly support your tree and make sure that it holds plenty of water so that your tree can be fresh for weeks to come.
Next, measure the area where you have decided to place your tree. Measure the height and width of your space, accounting for extra space needed if you have a special Christmas tree topper. And be sure to bring your measuring tape with you when you go to pick out your Chrtmas tree at the tree farm or store.
Select Your Tree Variety
Evergreen trees come in many types, so knowing a little bit about tree varieties will help you in picking the perfect Chritmmas tree for your space. Fraser, or Noble Firs, for example, have shorter needles, more space in between branches, and are very sturdy which makes them ideal for heavier and larger ornaments. Picking the right tree variety will ensure that you can decorate your Christmas tree easily, adding to your holiday cheer.
Select The Freshest Tree
The fresher the tree the longer it will last in your space, but how do you determine if a tree is fresh? First of all, your tree should have shiny green needles, so avoid picking a dull looking tree. Next, pull lightly on a tree branch to find out if a tree is already drying out. If you happen to pull off a bunch of needles, consider looking for a different tree with the needles held firmly in place.
Make A Fresh Cut At The Base
Once you have brought your tree home, make a straight cut at the base of your tree. This will ensure that your tree will properly hold up in the stand and more importantly, it will ensure that your tree will begin drinking water immediately.
Place The Tree In A Stand
It is a good idea to have a loved one or a friend help you in securing the tree to the stand as this is a two-person job. A properly secured tree has the stand’s leveling clamps tightened around the base of the trunk. If you are worried that your large tree can tip over, consider attaching the stand to a large and flat piece of plywood for added strength and stability.
Don’t Forget To Water
In order to keep your tree looking perfect for the holidays, do not neglect proper watering practices. Choose a stand that can hold plenty of water and check the level of water at the base of your tree daily. If you can’t see the water level, place your finger in the stand to determine if your tree needs a drink. You will notice that for the first couple of days, your tree will require lots of water, whereas after about a week, the tree will simply reduce its water intake and a daily watering schedule will be more than enough to keep your tree properly hydrated.
Check out these local Christmas tree farms so that you can bring home the perfect tree this holiday season:
Townsend Lake Tree Farm – Markdale.
Address: 474864 Townsend Lake Rd, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0.
Phone: (519) 986-4889.
Mainland’s Christmas Tree Farm – Owen Sound.
Address: 278846 Orchard Drive, Owen Sound, ON.
Phone: 519-376-8888.
From the team at Rob & Shauna + Handyman Joe we wish you a great holiday season and happy tree shopping!
