The perfect Christmas TRee

by David Gallacher @davidgallacher62

All Christmas trees are perfect. But there’s no getting away from the fact at some point they many will drop there needles and clog up the vacuum cleaner but some more than others.

With our help we will try to guide you through the various types of Christmas tree available, with some advice on the benefits of each, from scent to needle retention.

We also help you how to get the best from your tree over the festive season – and beyond.

Choosing Your Tree

Choosing a Christmas tree can be a great activity to do with all the family especially on a cold winter’s day.

CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY

It’s important to check Freshness

Lift up your tree and check the weight; the heavier the tree, the more water it has and the fresher it will be.

Also give it a gentle bump against the ground to make sure it holds onto its needles.

Next check it’s Fullness

Take a Stand back and check the tree from all angles to make sure there aren’t any gaps and try to avoid buy a tree that has already been netted.

You can see how full it is....

Next check the Foot

There should be adequate room at the bottom of the tree so that you won’t have to remove any branches to get it into the stand .If you need to remove the lower branches try to imagine how it will look with these branches removed

Try to use a stand with a built in water reserve

Pick the Right Tree Stand

Choose a tree stand that is sturdy and the right size. Pay attention to the size of the tree trunk that each stand will accommodate.

The taller your tree, the bigger the diameter of the trunk. If you have a tall, wide room, be sure to get a large stand for the large tree you’ll select. If you’ll put your tree on a table, a smaller stand will work fine.

Look for tree stand models that hold a lot of water. You’ll spend less time refilling the water pan throughout the season. Get a stand that is easily adjustable so the tree can be levelled.

Check it will fit Fit

Decide Where to Place the Tree; avoid placing your tree near a heat source (sunny windows, radiators, heating vents, and fireplaces).

Try to keep the tree out of high traffic areas where it might be bumped or overturned, or where someone might trip on light cords.

Avoid any spot that might be dangerous, such as next to a fire in the fireplace or up on a wobbly table.

Take the measurements of your space and find a tree that will easily fit it to the space in your house – attempting to prune a tree to fit into the space will never look quite right.

Remember that both your stand and treetop decoration will add height.

Bring Supplies

Take heavy gloves to protect your hands and a tape measure to help select the right size tree.

Find an old blanket to protect your car from pine needles and sap. Take twine or rope to tie it securely to the car (unless you know the tree lot will provide this).

Once home, locate a saw so a fresh cut can be made before placing the tree in water. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water so your tree can start drinking water as soon as it gets home and has a fresh cut. Find your tree stand (or determine if you’ll need a new one) and set it up.

Confirm the maximum tree trunk diameter that will fit into the stand.

Protect Your Floor

Place plastic or other waterproof covering on the floor where your tree will stand so you don’t ruin the carpet or get watermarks on hardwood flooring.

Adjust the Top

You may need to make small adjustments on the top of your tree, depending on your ceiling height and the type of ornament (angel, star, etc.) that will be placed on the top.

If your tree is too tall, clip away any stray branches that may be in the way, but avoid chopping off the tallest vertical branch if you can.

This is usually a stiff branch and will be a steady foundation for the tree top decoration. Use any clippings you may have to decorate your mantle or to make a centerpiece.

Trim Any Straggling Branches

If any of the lower branches look imperfect or hit the furniture or walls, trim them off. Try to trim at an angle that is about parallel to the floor, so cuts are less noticeable. Use these extra boughs and branches to decorate your mantle or table, keeping them in water until you arrange them.