Ooooh! I just love, love, love this time of year!!! (do I sound like Eloise who lives at The Plaza or what?!) Despite being completely allergic to the Christmas tree sap, I can't wait to get a live one, decorate it, and admire it for nights on end. Whether it’s to make you feel festive, to shut the kids up, or feed your hungry vacuum cleaner … ‘tis the season, my Little Jingle, to get your tree.
Best Tree Tip #1. Before leaving for the lot, take your tree stand with you so that the tree can be cut to its specifications. Not only is this a frustration-saver, but you don’t have to break out the saw or clean up the ensuing mess.
Size Matters … so to speak. Measure the space (height and width) where the tree’s going before heading to the lot. Most standard rooms will easily fit a 7-foot tree; but if your room has a cathedral ceiling, you could go larger – just expect to pay a premium the larger the tree.
Great Rule of Thumb: Select a tree that is at least one foot shorter than the ceiling (you can fit that angel or star on it and accommodate the tree stand).
Freshness Dating (for your tree, not for your favorite Diva)
Find out when your lot’s trees are delivered. The shorter time period on the lot, the fresher the tree. AND: The more frequent the delivery, the fresher.
Freshness Testing
For Fir trees: Green needles on fresh trees break crisply when bent sharply with your fingers (imagine a carrot)
For Pine trees: Due to the different fibrous nature of pines, these needles do not break with the above-mentioned test unless they are dried out.
Lift the cut tree a few inches off the ground and let it drop on the bare trunk. Green needles should not drop off the tree; a few dried, inner needles = OK to fall, but not the outer ones
If you see excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, notice a musty odor, or see wrinkled bark, move along.
More later, my Sparkling Tinsel!
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