For many people, especially children, decorating a Christmas tree is one of the highlights of the holiday season. Read some tips on choosing the right tree for your house.
Location
It’s best to decide where your tree is going before you go shopping for one. Look around your house for the best location. Choose somewhere that is not a high traffic area to reduce the possibility of it being knocked over. Don’t pick anywhere next to heat sources, such as TV, fireplaces, or radiators. Also decide if you are going to see two sides (in a corner), three sides (against a wall), or four sides (in front of a window) of the tree.
Measure
Once you have decided on a location, measure both the width and height of the area. Take into consideration the height of your tree topper. You should also know how much your tree stand is going to raise the height of the tree. Knowing these things will help you to avoid bringing home a tree that is too large.
Before Buying the Tree
Before you leave to go shopping, it is a good idea to have a bucket of “Christmas Tree Drink” ready. This way, your tree can start drinking as soon as you have it home.
The Shelmerdine Christmas Tree Drink Recipe is: 1Litre of lukewarm water, ¼ cup of white sugar. 3-4 crushed aspirins.
Feed this drink to your tree all season long to keep it fresh longer!
When you are ready to buy the tree you should take the measuring tape with you. Heavy duty gloves to protect your hands are also a good idea. You may also want to take along a blanket to protect your car from pine needles and sap.
Purchasing the Tree
Choose the freshest tree possible. A fresh tree will have a nice green appearance with very few brown needles. Needles should not fall off if you run your hand over a branch. If shaken very gently only a few needles from the center of the tree should drop, which is what you are looking for.
Types of Trees
Here are just a few examples of trees you will find for purchase at our garden center:
Balsam Fir- A beautiful dark-green colour with airy, flexible branches. It holds ornaments well, but it may not be the best choice for heavier ornaments. Will give off a pleasant fragrance for your home.
Fraser Fir- A soft silvery-green colour with spacing between the branches. It holds heavier ornaments well. The Fraser Fir has excellent needle retention and will give off a pleasant fragrance.
Nordman Fir- A glossy dark green colour with symmetrical branches. With very little scent, this is often a good choice for those sensitive to other heavily scented trees.
Noble Fir- A deep green colour with unusually lovely shaped branches and good spacing. Its branches are sturdy yet the needles are not too sharp to decorate easily.
Grand Fir- A dark green, shiny appearance with graceful branches. It has a powerful citrus-like aroma.
White Pine- A bluish-green colour with lush, full branches. The needles are soft and flexible. The flexible branches may not hold heavier ornaments well.
Scotch Pine- A medium green colour with a more open appearance than that of other trees. A popular choice for Christmas trees because of its ability to hold its needles even when dry.