It's that time of year again. Time to pick out a Christmas tree for the holidays! Whether you're going to a lot or cutting down the tree yourself, selecting the right one can feel a little daunting. The most popular trees to choose from are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir and white pine. With so many options, it's important to know what matches your home best. Noble firs are great for their sturdy branches and full appearance. Want a stout easy to trim tree? A Virginia pine is just the thing as a medium-sized, full addition to your home and is actually the most popular Christmas tree in the south. While you'll come across many gorgeous trees, remember to measure the height of the room you intend on placing the tree and check your desired tree's height to ensure it's a great fit for your home.
Be sure to check the base of the tree before bringing a tree home. You want to make sure it's sturdy and long enough to fit into a stand. We could barely believe over 20 million Christmas trees are sold each month. So many trees are purchased this season, but so few of us know how to take care of them. Remember to water them daily, checking the water level, and sweep up the lost pine needles every few days. Turning off Christmas tree lights is key to winter safety and conserving that energy bill! Keep lower branches trimmed to keep small children and pets safe from those prickly pines. We've compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you pick out the perfect Christmas tree.
View the slideshow above to pick the best Christmas tree for your home!
For more Christmas tree articles, check out Oh Christmas Tree! and Trimming the Tree and the Rest of Your Home for the Holidays.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Measure Appropriately: If you're purchasing or cutting down a tree, make sure you figure out how much space you have before heading out. It's important to measure both height and width to ensure it can fit in your space. Don't forget to take the measuring tape with you to the lot.
Photo Credit: jupiterimages
Test the Branches: Grab any branch on the tree between your thumb and finger, gently apply pressure down and pull. Do not buy the tree if your hand is full of needles. The fresher the tree, the more pliable the needles are. You want to make sure it can hold up your latest ornaments as well those family favorites.
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Check the Needles: Gently smash the tree's needles and smell the scent that is released. If it doesn't smell enough like a pine tree, you may want to leave the tree where it stands.
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Test the Bounce: Hold your chosen tree a few inches off the ground and drop it. If a lot of exterior needles come lose, don't purchase the tree. Interior needles falling off is normal.
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Buy the Right Tree Stand: Double-check your tree stand to make sure the trunk will fit. If you shape the bark to make it fit, it will strip the tree of its crucial layer that helps it absorb water.
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Use a Shaker: Before you tie the tree to your car, ask the lot attendant to run it through a shaker or a fan on the lot. This will shake off all of interior needles that have died.
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Cut the Trunk: Take an inch of the trunk of your tree. This will open up the tree's "veins" and bring water to all parts of the tree.
Photo Credit: flickr/John Flinchbaugh
Water It: Once your tree is in your home, add water to it immediately. The tree will drink at least a gallon of water in three days. Be sure to check your tree's stand regularly to make sure it's getting the proper amount of water each day. Plants need love too!
Photo Credit: flickr/mrlerone
Wait a Few Hours: Most trees will open up after a few hours. Wait a little while your tree to settle before hanging decorations.
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