CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING IDEAS

Buying a Tree From a Christmas Tree Farm

Christmas tree farms are becoming more popular and you may be able to find one in your town or a neighboring county. You will never be able to find a tree that is fresher than one you cut down yourself. If you have both Christmas tree farms and retail lots in your area, going to the farm is generally a much better choice.

• Measure the area you will be putting your tree before you start traveling to the tree farm. Although you will have tools on-hand once you get home to cut down, if necessary, it is best not to purchase a tree overly big. (And a tree can look small when it is under the sky, as opposed to under a tent.)

• If anyone in your home suffers from pine sap allergies, you may need to consider buying a different type of tree. A Leyland Cypress tree is one option you could consider.

• Believe it or not, if you have heavy ornaments you will need one of several specific varieties of trees! Make sure you buy a type that will hold your intended decorations, as some Christmas tree types have weak branches.

• Most tree farms will provide you with a saw. Call before heading out to see what the policy is at the farm you plan to purchase from.

• A tree farm is normally like “the country”. Don’t plan on going after church on Sunday with a skirt and high heels or a heavy wool suit. Make the tree farm a day trip - dress comfortably, bring a raincoat and umbrella, and remember to take some gloves.

• Stay safe throughout the process of cutting down the tree. You wouldn’t want to fall on a saw or trip over a tree stump and get hurt when you are looking for a Christmas tree.

• Don't worry about some fallen pine needles. All pines lose some needles in the fall in preparation for winter.

• Look for a tree that fits your measurement from earlier. Other things you need to look for are a long enough trunk and a minimally crooked trunk. (No truck will be absolutely straight, but look for one that is as straight as possible.)

• Purchasing from a tree farm normally requires two people. One will cut the tree while the other holds the bottom branches up. Having an extra set of hands is helpful when getting your live Christmas tree. Some types of trees require a chain saw! When this is the case, it is customary for an attendant at the farm to cut the tree down for you.

• Once the tree is chosen and cut, you take it to be processed, which includes cleaning and netting.

Some tree farms charge you based on the height of the tree, while others price each individual one. Make sure you know how the tree farm you plan to buy from operates.