The most popular varieties of Christmas trees are: Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Noble Fir and Balsam Fir.
The most important consideration is freshness. Many Christmas trees are trucked a considerable distance, sometimes part way across the continent and days or even weeks may pass between the time the trees are cut and when they arrive for sale. Always ask the vendor where the tree has come from and how long ago it was cut. If possible, buy a locally produced tree. Does it appear green and healthy with a fragrant smell and moist flexible needles or is there evidence of drying or browning. Avoid any trees with broken branches or damaged bark. Bounce the tree lightly on its cut end if you can or shake it. Does this result in an inevitable little sprinkling or does it produce a shower of needles? If needles rain down, you might be wise to look around a little more. The next consideration after freshness is size. Make sure the tree you buy will fit comfortably in the room and location you have chosen. Use a tape measure if necessary. Check the bottom of the tree. Is there enough space between the end and the lowest branches to make a slightly diagonal fresh cut? Cutting an extra inch off the bottom before mounting your tree will greatly help water absorption and ensure your tree lasts as long as possible. Be sure to make this final cut just before placing it in water. If it is exposed to the air for too long, the vessels will become blocked.
The most important consideration is freshness. Many Christmas trees are trucked a considerable distance, sometimes part way across the continent and days or even weeks may pass between the time the trees are cut and when they arrive for sale. Always ask the vendor where the tree has come from and how long ago it was cut. If possible, buy a locally produced tree. Does it appear green and healthy with a fragrant smell and moist flexible needles or is there evidence of drying or browning. Avoid any trees with broken branches or damaged bark. Bounce the tree lightly on its cut end if you can or shake it. Does this result in an inevitable little sprinkling or does it produce a shower of needles? If needles rain down, you might be wise to look around a little more. The next consideration after freshness is size. Make sure the tree you buy will fit comfortably in the room and location you have chosen. Use a tape measure if necessary. Check the bottom of the tree. Is there enough space between the end and the lowest branches to make a slightly diagonal fresh cut? Cutting an extra inch off the bottom before mounting your tree will greatly help water absorption and ensure your tree lasts as long as possible. Be sure to make this final cut just before placing it in water. If it is exposed to the air for too long, the vessels will become blocked.
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