Christmas Trees

There's a lot to know about buying Christmas trees.  You need to know what type of tree you want, whether you want a real tree or a fake one, and what size tree will fit comfortably in your house or apartment. You can order a tree online, pick one out at a tree lot, or cut down your own (if you live near the woods).

Size

The first thing you need to do is figure out how much space you have for a tree. Some small apartments may only be able to accommodate a small table-top tree,  while other homes might want a twelve-foot tree  for a living room with high ceilings.

A few things to do:

• Measure  the height of your ceiling. And then measure it again. Don't forget that the tree stand  adds to the height of the tree. Nothing looks sillier than a Christmas tree  with a bowed head.
• Don't forget to measure your stand, while you're at it.
• Also make sure there is enough room for your favorite tree topper.
• Can you safely decorate  a very tall tree? If you or others in your family have any physical handicaps that might make this task difficult, stick with a smaller tree that you'll be able to decorate.
• How will you get the tree home?

Natural vs. Artificial

The debate continues about whether a real tree or an artificial tree  is better. The short answer is that both have their advantages, but a real tree is actually the more sustainable, environmentally friendly option.

Natural Trees Advantages Smell and feel great; there's really nothing like the real thing! After the holidays, your tree can be mulched and used in your backyard. Organic tree farms are gentle on the environment and are probably the best of all options. Even ordinary tree farms may be a better choice, since while the trees are growing (which can take 10-12 years for most trees) they provide a good habitat for many animals and produce a good deal of oxygen. Non-organic tree farms have the same kind of environmental impact as non-organic food (pesticides and herbicides in runoff, etc.). Real trees are grown in the United States. Disadvantages Need to be maintained with plenty of water. Some species shed needles, making a big mess. Some species are poisonous to pets.

Artificial Trees Advantages Won't shed needles all over your floor. Can be used year after year. May be somewhat less flammable than a real tree; this is disputed by the National Christmas Tree Association, which favors real trees. Can come pre-decorated and may have more "special effects" available than a natural tree. Disadvantages Don't have the nice smell and texture of a real tree. Some may be made of poisonous types of plastic. The dust and needles can be dangerous if inhaled or swallowed, and may contain lead. If you plan to reuse it, you have to store it somewhere. If you throw it out, it just sits in a landfill for the next millennium. May actually have a more negative impact on the environment than a tree farm, since they're made of plastics. Plastics are made of petroleum and are usually manufactured outside the US.

Natural Trees

If you decide that only a real tree will do, you still have a few things to do before you get your tree. Many species are available, and the one that suits you will depend on your house or apartment, the area in which you live, the members of your household, and what is available within reasonable distance of your residence.

There are about a dozen species of tree that are regularly used in the United States. Here they are, in order of popularity (according to About.com).

• Fraser Fir 
• Excellent needle retention, nicely scented.
• Related to balsam fir.
• Douglas Fir 
• Another very popular, sweet-smelling tree.
• Naturally cone-shaped.
• Found throughout the country.
• Balsam Fir 
• Grows naturally in a pyramid.
• Very similar to the Fraser fir; might be the same species.
• Dark color. Very fragrant.
• Colorado Blue Spruce 
• Ranges from dark green to a powdery blue-green; popular as an ornamental landscape tree.
• Excellent needle retention.
• Often sold with the root ball attached, to be planted after the holidays.
• The White House Christmas tree is a Colorado blue spruce.
• Scotch Pine 
• Imported from Europe.
• Long-lasting aroma; needles will stay on for about four weeks. Don't drop off when dry.
• Strong branches; good for heavy ornaments.
• Eastern Red Cedar 
• Very popular in the South.
• Aromatic and prickly.
• White Spruce 
• Grows into lovely shapes in the wild. Popular in the Northeast.
• Needles have an unpleasant odor when crushed.
• Strong; good for heavy ornaments.
• Eastern White Pine 
• Not the best choice; requires a lot of pruning to look like a nice Christmas tree.
• Retains needles throughout the season; not especially fragrant.
• Not good for heavy ornaments.
• White Fir  and Concolor Fir 
• Closely related species with a nice shape.
• Fragrant throughout the season.
• Virginia Pine 
• Southern alternative to Scotch pine; good in warm climates.
• Doesn't grow naturally in a cone; needs to be trained.
• Noble Fir 
• Beautiful, long lasting, and good for heavy ornaments.
• Leyland Cyprus 
• Dark green, feathery foliage.
• Not closely related to other trees listed here; actually a hybrid that doesn't grow in the wild.
• May be better for people with allergies to sap.

Choosing and Caring For a Tree

Buying from a Lot

If you buy your tree at a lot, the most important thing to look for is freshness. A tree should look like it was recently cut. Needles and twigs should be pliable and no snap when you bend them. If you stroke the tree or shake it gently, you should not be showered in needles. (A few old needles from last year can fall off.) The tree should have a good color and fragrance as appropriate to the species.

Buying from a Farm

Buying a tree at a "cut your own" farm is the best way to ensure that your tree is fresh -- after all, it is still connected to its root system until you choose it.  Keep in mind when looking at trees that they will appear shorter when compared with the infinite height of the sky. Bring a tape measure with you.

At Home

When you get your tree home, cut off one inch from the bottom of the tree before putting it in water. (You can skip that step if it's been less than four hours since the tree was cut.) You don't need to add anything to the water, but make sure to supply plenty of it -- trees can drink up to a gallon of water a day, and if they are not kept in water they will dry out quickly. Keep the tree away from bright lights, fire places, and drafts.

Caring for a Living Tree

If you purchase a living tree with its roots still in a root ball, you will have to take very good care of it. Living trees need plenty of water. You also have to plan ahead -- a living tree should never be kept indoors for more than 7-10 days. You will have to gradually acclimatize it to winter weather before planting it outdoors by transitioning from house to garage to shed to yard. You will not be able to plant them if the soil is frozen, so plan accordingly for your area. Do not unwrap them until you are ready to plant them.

Artificial Trees

There are many different kinds of artificial trees on the market. Here are a few of the major types.

Realistic  From a distance, it sort of looks like a real tree.	Tinsel  The only thing this type has in common with a real tree is shape.	Fiber Optic  Fun to watch, popular in dorm rooms.	Upside-Down Tree  More space for presents underneath; some people find them disorienting.	Prelit Tree  The lights are already wrapped around or built into the branches, to save you time.

There are a few important features to keep in mind when shopping for an artificial tree. Generally speaking, you should buy the best tree you can afford, since you will probably use it for several years. A good tree might last as long as 15 years, if you care for it well.

Branch Construction

The branches can be attached in one of two ways.

• The first option is a tree with "hook-in" branches  that have to be attached to the tree every year.
• The second option is a hinged tree.  All the branches are attached and just open and close like an umbrella.
• This configuration also has the advantage that once you have attached the lights to the tree, they can stay there for years.

Materials

Naturally, artificial trees are mostly plastic.  However, there are many different kinds of plastic on the market. The least expensive options are the "old fashioned" kind with wire branches covered in stiff plastic needles. These tree often have exposed wire at the tips of the branches and do not look all that realistic.

IInjection-molded polyethylene  is probably the sturdiest of the options on the market. It is the newest technology and has been consistently improved in the last few years. These trees are sturdier and last longer, particularly high-quality molded plastics. In addition, these trees are often modeled on real trees to avoid the "too perfect" look common to less expensive trees. You can also get artificial trees that resemble a wide range of species.

For people who want to have at least part of their tree made of wood, there are some artificial trees that have wooden trunks  but plastic branches.  There are also all-metal trees  if realism is not your goal. Metal trees are especially practical in an office.

Tip Count

Tip count is not a good measure of the tree's quality. Any manufacturer can just add branches and twigs to a tree to increase the tip count, but it is a meaningless statistic. You are better off judging the quality of the branches and the needles based on the type of plastic.

Lights

You have a few options when it comes to lights on your tree.  If you have your own lights that you prefer to use, there are plenty of unlit trees  available. If you want a lit tree, you have several options. The majority are made with traditional strings of Christmas lights. These can be white  or multicolored ; some trees have both and can use one or both depending on your mood. A growing number of trees have LED lights,  which are more expensive but safer, since they don't get very hot. Some trees use fiber optic  cables to transmit light from the base. Often, a rotating colored plastic disc causes the color of the tree to change over the course of a few minutes.

Keep in mind that the coating on holiday lights may contain lead. You should always wash you

Specialty Options

As depicted above, you can get an upside-down tree  to accomodate large packages or people.  There are a number of other shapes and sizes available. Slim  and super-slim trees  are a great option as a secondary tree in a hallway or office, or as a main tree in a small apartment. There are also half-trees  that are meant to be placed against the wall.

Accessories

There are a few things you might want to go with your tree. Specialized storage containers  are a good idea to protect your tree during the year. Some companies may include the bag with the tree, especially if you buy it early or off-season.  You can also buy a rotating stand  to display your tree. You can also purchase matching artificial wreaths  and garlands  to decorate the rest of your home.

Tree Accessories

Tree Skirt	Tree Stand	Tree Mat	Ornaments and Lights

External Links

• About.com -- This article is helpful, and many of the shorter guides that branch off from it contain useful information as well.
• National Christmas Tree Association -- Everything you need to know about real Christmas trees.
• DIY Network -- Information on real vs. artificial trees.
• Christmas Decorations Gifts Store -- some tips on buying an artificial tree.
• Christmas Tree For Me -- a few tips on choosing the right size of artificial tree.