Tips for Choosing the Right Tree

  • Measure the ceiling height in the room where the tree will be displayed. The trees in the field look smaller than in the house. Don’t overbuy.
  • Measure the width of the area of the room where the tree will be displayed. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper. So a tree that’s 10′ tall will be 8′ wide at the bottom. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.
  • What decorating theme will be used? Some species have more open foliage, stiffer branches or longer needles. See our tree descriptions for some guidelines.

How to Care for Your Farm-Grown Fresh Christmas Tree

  • Make a fresh cut – Straight across the base of the tree, cut off approximately one half inch before placing tree in stand
  • Freshly cut Christmas trees should be put in water within 2-4 hours to maximize the tree’s water absorption capacity
  • Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty
  • If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location
  • Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water
  • Use a stand that will hold a gallon of water or more
  • Check water often, keep the stand full – A tree may take up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours and a quart a day after that
  • Place tree away from heat sources, heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators and sunny windows.
  • Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring
  • Do not over load electric circuits
  • Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed
  • Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood under the bark (cambium) are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
  • Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
  • The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
  • Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With some stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
  • Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
  • Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace. Please recycle your Christmas tree.  It’s 100% recyclable.