5 Simple Tips for Getting a Christmas Tree That Will Last You All Season Long

When you think of Christmas trees, images of prickly pines with spiky branches and sticky needles probably come to mind. But the modern Christmas tree is a lot different. Artificial trees are an increasingly popular choice for homes that want the festive feel and smell of a real tree without all the hassle. There are plenty of artificial varieties available on the market today, from slender, lightweight versions that don’t take up much floor space to knobbly models with realistic-looking foliage that can stand on their own without cables or stands. While artificial trees are definitely more convenient than real ones (you won’t have to water or fertilize them, after all), they do require some special care if you want them to last through several holiday seasons. We spoke with professional arborists at National Tree Company about everything you need to know about artificial Christmas trees before buying one this year.

By now, most of us are familiar with the many benefits of artificial Christmas trees over their natural counterparts. Here’s a quick refresher:

– Easy to store – They can stay out of sight for the rest of the year, so you don’t have to worry about finding extra room in the garage or basement. – No watering – You don’t have to worry about watering them, or the occasional overwatering that happens to real trees. – No pests or diseases – Fake trees can’t get pests or diseases, so you don’t need to use pesticides or special sprays to keep them clean. – No mess – There’s no cleanup after your tree is gone, and no needles to sweep up or worry about disposing of safely.

How to find the best fake Christmas tree

Fake Christmas trees don’t have the same variety as real ones, so it may feel like you’re picking from a few options. In fact, you’ve got the same choice that you’d have if you were buying a real tree — Fraser fir, blue spruce, or another type of variety. When you’re shopping for a fake tree, keep a few things in mind: – Color – Most people prefer a tree with a deep green color, but some prefer a blue-green or blue spruce. – Size – A tree that’s too small won’t look realistic. If you have a large space to fill, or have a tall ceiling, you’ll want to go with a larger tree. – Type – There are different types of fake trees out there, including slim and realistic styles. – Pruning – Some fake trees come with built-in branch pruning guides, so you don’t have to worry about cutting off too many or having a messy tree. – Weight – If you’re planning on standing your tree up on a table or other surface, you can buy lightweight models that won’t take up too much room. Christmas tree

Dry and shake out your brand new fake tree

You should always dry out your new artificial tree before setting it up, and you should shake it out to remove the factory dust and debris. If you don’t, you’ll notice the dust collecting on the branches and needles of your tree, leaving your home with a dusty, dirty scent that can be hard to get rid of. To dry out your new tree, unroll it and place it in a well-ventilated place, like outside on the lawn, for a full 24 hours. After your tree is dry, you should shake it out to remove the dust that accumulated during the shipping process. Hold the top of the tree with one hand and the bottom with the other, and shake it back and forth vigorously. When you’re finished, fluff out the branches and let the tree air out for a couple of hours before setting it up.

Don’t skimp on the stand or trimmer

Fake trees look great when they’re freshly set up, but their needles can quickly fall limp if they’re not cared for properly. Stabilize the tree’s needles with a tree stand that has plenty of drainage holes and a water reservoir for collecting excess water. If your tree doesn’t come with a stand, don’t skimp on it. You don’t want to set a heavy tree on a flimsy stand that’s built to hold only a few pounds. If your tree is too tall, you’ll also need to invest in a good tree trimmer. If you don’t trim your fake tree, it’ll end up looking like a matted, spiky mess in no time at all. A good trimmer has sharp edges that won’t snag your tree’s branches and a dial that lets you control how much you take off.

Don’t forget the lights!

Fake trees are designed to hold light strings, but make sure to check the specs of your model before you buy. If you buy a light string that’s too heavy for your tree, you can cause damage that’ll only get worse each year. If the lights you have aren’t designed for fake trees, you can purchase a special light string designed for artificial trees that won’t damage your tree. You can also always retrofit your old lights with special light string adapters — just make sure your wires are thick enough to handle the extra voltage of the adapters.

Finally, don’t drop your tree!

No matter how careful you are, you’ll inevitably drop your artificial tree at some point during the season. Even the best tree stands can’t protect your tree from every fall. When this inevitably happens, don’t panic — but do take precautions to prevent the tree from getting damaged. Always place your tree on a soft, cushioned surface like a thick blanket or a tarp — don’t just drop it on the floor. If you do drop your tree, don’t panic — just follow the tips above, keep an eye on your tree for signs of damage, and you’ll have a beautiful Christmas tree for years to come.

Rotate and shake it out again (and maybe again)

After you set up your artificial tree, you’ll want to turn it periodically throughout the season. This will help keep the needles fresh and fragrant, as well as prevent them from all falling off at once. Some experts recommend rotating your tree every couple of days, while others say once a week is plenty — so do what works best for you. You should also shake the tree periodically to further distribute the scent and keep the needles looking fresh. This is especially important if you have smaller, more delicate trees.

This article is provided by  https://www.hanleysofcork.com/christmas/christmas-trees