Fresh Cut & Live Christmas Trees

Make your holiday season complete with the sight and scent of a real tree

There is no denying the special holiday feeling that comes with bringing home a fresh, green Christmas tree. Whether you crave a more traditional experience or simply enjoy the festive smell of pine in the air, selecting and decorating a real Christmas tree is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Fresh-cut and live Christmas trees require a little extra care and attention, which can become an important part of your holiday traditions. Before you begin to shop, consider:

• Where do you plan to place your tree?
• What tree height and width are best?
• Are you interested in a particular type of tree?
• What is the difference between a fresh-cut tree and a live one?
• How can you help your tree thrive throughout the holiday season?

 

Planning

Before choosing the ideal location for your fresh-cut tree, it is important to find a spot that is cool and free from drafts. You also want to make sure that it is placed away from heat sources, such as vents, fireplaces or appliances to help the tree retain moisture and remain healthy. Once you find the right location, you’ll want to measure the available height and width of the area. Remember the taller the tree, the larger the base, so keep this in mind when shopping.

• Avoid placing your tree near heat sources or in drafts to prevent excessive drying
• Allow an appropriate amount of space between the tree and the ceiling for a topper
• Type, style and number of decorations and ornaments can influence your tree selection

 

Tree Types

Fresh-cut Christmas trees are generally selected for their ability to retain their needles, general coloring, overall shape and natural fragrance. Most trees come from the fir, spruce or pine families, though other popular types are available. Keep in mind that trees are sometimes suited to particular regions, which can affect their availability in your area. In addition to fresh-cut trees, some people choose a “live” or “living” tree. This environmentally appealing option comes in either a large pot or a burlap sack with its roots completely intact. After enjoying the tree over your Christmas holiday, it can then be transplanted to your backyard. If purchasing a “living Christmas Tree” in a cold weather climate, store the tree in a cool to cold (non-freezing) area for 10-14 days to allow the tree to proceed into winter dormancy. The next section below highlights some of the more popular tree types and their defining characteristics. You’ll want to choose one with the right combination of features to help you create your ideal tree.

 

 

Tree Type	Needle Size	Color	Shape	Other Characteristics
Balsam Fir	3/4" to 1-1/2"	Dark green	Pyramidal shape with spire-like tip	Strong fragrance Good needle retention

 

 

Black Hills Spruce

½” to ¾”

Dark green

Symmetrical shape with a conical crown

Dense, full coverage foliage Sturdy branches can hold heavier ornaments Fair needle retention

 

 

Colorado Blue Spruce

1" to 1-1/2"

Dark blue-gray to silvery blue

Pyramidal shape with conical crown

Symmetrical form Excellent needle retention Popular choice for living trees and landscaping

 

 

Douglas Fir

1" to 1-1/2"

Dark or blue green

Pyramidal

Sweet, subtle scent Commonly available Long lasting needle

 

 

Eastern White Pine

2-1/2" to 5"

Blue green to silver green

Conical

Little or no fragrance May be better for allergy sufferers Soft, flexible needles Not ideal for heavy ornaments

 

 

Fraser Fir

1/2" to 1"

Dark green

Pyramidal

Strong branches ideal for heavy ornaments Excellent needle retention Fresh fragrance

 

 

Grand Fir

1" to 1-1/2"

Dark green

Symmetrical shape with rounded crown

Strong fragrance Needles have a glossy appearance

 

 

Noble Fir

1"

Blue-gray with silver appearance

Pyramidal shape with upturned needles

Long-lasting needle life Stiff branches are well suited for heavier ornaments Pleasing aroma Often used to create swags, garlands and wreaths

 

 

 

Norway Spruce

1/2" to 1"

Dark green

Triangular

Soft, subtle scent Fair needle retention

 

 

Scotch Pine

1" to 3"

Ranges from bright greens to blue greens

Conical

Stiff, sturdy branches for supporting heavy items Lasting aroma• Excellent needle retention

 

 

White/Concolor Fir

1-1/2" to 3"

Blue green

Pyramidal

Releases pleasing citrus aroma when needles are crushed Good needle retention

 

 

White Spruce

1/2" to 3/4"

Green or blue green

Symmetrical shape with a conical crown

Dense, full-coverage foliage Sturdy branches can hold heavier ornaments Crushed needles release an unpleasant odor Fair needle retention

 

 

Environmental Benefits

Choosing a fresh-cut or live tree is a great way to add more green to your holiday. Unlike artificial trees, real trees are a renewable resource, with hundreds of thousands of acres dedicated to their cultivation. Christmas tree farms raise and harvest different varieties of trees just like standard crops, virtually eliminating the harvesting of trees in the wild, which can deplete valuable forests. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, every acre of planted trees produces enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of 18 people.

• The average tree takes approximately 7 years to reach maturity
• For every tree that is harvested anywhere from 1 to 3 more seedlings are planted
• Recycling programs located in most communities turn your used tree into useful mulch

 

Selection Tips

When it comes to selecting your tree, look for one with a bright, vibrant color. Needles that look dull and listless can indicate dryness or age. Because fresh-cut trees have a limited life, you’ll want to be sure and purchase one that was recently harvested. While some needle loss is normal on any tree, when it is shaken, it should retain the vast majority of its needles. If there is excessive loss, move on to the next tree. If you are selecting a live tree, be sure to do your homework and choose a species that will grow and thrive in your region.

• Shake the tree and observe how many needles it sheds
• Withered bark on the outer twigs and branches indicates excessive dryness
• Pine trees with brittle needles that break easily are dehydrated
• Fir needles that are fresh and well hydrated snap crisply when bent
• Inspect both fresh-cut and live trees for the presence of insects and other pests

 

Care and Maintenance

Having a fresh tree requires additional care. As soon as you get the tree home, make a new cut on the trunk so it can readily absorb water. Saw ½-1” off the base and immediately place it in water. You can eliminate this step by purchasing your tree at The Home Depot. We cut the tree trunk for you, so you can place your tree directly in the stand upon arriving home.

Keeping your tree hydrated is the key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant life. Trees drink a considerable amount of water, as much as a gallon or more a day, depending on the type and size of the tree. Make sure your stand has a large enough capacity to keep the base of the trunk submerged at all times. Fresh-cut trees usually last between 4 and 6 weeks, so be careful not to purchase too early, sometime around Thanksgiving will suffice.

• Be sure to choose a stand that can fit around the entire width of the tree trunk
• Stands should have a minimum capacity of 1 qt. of water for every inch of stem diameter
• Check water daily and make sure that the base of the tree is always covered
• Water your tree using plain tap water with no additives for best results
• Recycle your tree at the end of the season through your local community program
• Live trees should only be located indoors for between 3 and 10 days

 

Safety

When it comes to fire safety, the most important thing to know is that a well-hydrated tree provides natural protection against fire hazards. Therefore, the best thing you can do is water your tree every day, without exception. Additionally, using smaller, less heat-intensive lights, such a mini lights or LEDs, reduces drying. Always inspect light cords for damage or wear before hanging them and discard defective ones immediately. Use only UL listed lighting, which has been tested by an independent agency. If you have small children or pets in your house, you’ll want to take extra precautions to ensure your tree will not be easily toppled.

• Always unplug and turn off lights when leaving the house or going to bed
• Replace worn or damaged lights and electrical cords
• Keep breakable ornaments and cords out of reach of small children and pets

 

Features

UL Listed Lights: UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory, an independent testing agency that makes sure lights are safe for use under the designated circumstances.

Tree Stand: Keep your fresh-cut tree thriving all season long with a stand designed to deliver a constant supply of water straight to the base of your tree. Look for models with easy adjustments that allow you to accommodate the natural slant of the tree. Units are available in both plastic and metal configurations and should have a minimum capacity of 1 gallon.

Tree Bags: Easily dispose of your tree without scattering needles, branches and other debris all over your house with the help of a tree bag. These specially designed units fit over and around your tree at the end of the season so you can more easily transport it out of your home. Some even feature handles on the side for easier carrying.