No matter what kind of Christmas tree you choose, each type has its own unique qualities that are sure to brighten your holiday spirit.
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to infuse your home with the festive spirit than by setting up a beautiful, fresh-cut Christmas tree? In this guide, we’ll answer all of your most pressing Christmas tree questions, including how to select, set up, and maintain your holiday tree for season-long freshness!
Christmas Tree Selection and Set-up 101
Here’s how to select, set up, maintain, and take down your holiday tree the right way this year:
How to Choose the Perfect Holiday Tree
Your fresh Christmas tree journey begins with a visit to Platt Hill Nursery to pick out a healthy tree. Look for a tree with vibrant, green needles and test it by giving it a gentle shake. If only a few needles drop, it’s a winner.
Bringing it Home
Preventing moisture loss on the way home is key to having a long-lasting Christmas tree. If you strap it to the roof of your car, cover it with a tarp to reduce the risk of water evaporation during the drive. If you transport it inside your vehicle, remember to lay down a blanket first to prevent needles and sap from making a mess in your car.
Setting Up Your Tree Safely and Securely
Once your tree is home, keep it outside until you have a water stand set up and ready. Remember to add Prolong to the water to keep your tree fresher and greener longer.
Before bringing it in, cut 1-3 inches from the base so the tree can freely absorb water if you did not have it done by the treelot.. Also, remember to select a set-up spot away from heat sources like a fireplace or furnace vent.
Pro tip: Remember to put down your tree removal bag to protect the floor thoughout the season. Then, when. itis time to discard your tree simply pull the bag up over the tree top and secure it with a tie. The tree can be removed and easily disposed of without littering needles all over your home!
Keeping it Fresh
Your tree will drink more than you think, so keep that water stand filled! Fresh water and Prolong are key to maintaining your tree’s vitality, so check the water level daily and never let it drop below the base of the trunk to ensure your tree won’t dry out prematurely.
Christmas Tree Take Down
When the holidays are over, remember to drop off your tree at your local tree recycling center. There, it can be chipped into mulch for use in municipal parks and gardens. This simple step keeps trees out of our landfills and instead brings them into our urban and suburban ecosystems, where they can feed the soil for future plants.
Check out this link for more Christmas tree recycling ideas.
The Best Types of Holiday Trees for Chicagoland
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular fresh-cut Christmas tree varieties available in Bloomingdale and Carpentersville, along with what makes each of them so special:
Fraser Fir
The Fraser Fir is a crowd favorite for a reason. Its lush, dark green needles have a pleasant aroma, and they’re soft to the touch. This tree has sturdy branches, perfect for hanging your favorite ornaments. Plus, it boasts excellent needle retention, meaning fewer cleanup hassles throughout the season. Finally, if you’re a fan of the traditional Christmas tree shape, the Fraser Fir’s classic silhouette won’t disappoint.
Balsam Fir
Balsam Firs are known for their rich, evergreen scent that fills your home with the delightful fragrance of the forest. Their needles are a vivid green, and the tree itself has a lovely, narrow shape that fits snugly in most living rooms. Plus, their dense, bushy branches make them ideal for showcasing your cherished ornaments. These trees also tend to be lighter in weight, making them easier to transport and set up.
Colorado Blue Spruce
The Colorado Blue Spruce, as the name suggests, is a striking blue-green tree that’s a standout in any room. Its distinctive color and sturdy branches make this tree an excellent selection if you want a unique and visually appealing Christmas centerpiece. Be mindful of its prickly needles, though, as they can drop more readily if you don’t adequately water it.
White Pine
If you’re seeking a tree that exudes an elegant and wispy aura, the White Pine fits the bill. Its long, soft, flexible needles come in clusters, giving it an airy and delicate appearance, and its delicate fragrance is a subtle reminder of the great outdoors. Beyond its visual appeal, it’s also one of the lighter options, making it easier to handle and transport. However, diligent watering is essential to keep it looking fresh and beautiful throughout the holiday season.
Douglas Fir
The Douglas Fir is a popular choice for those who appreciate a sweet, citrusy fragrance during the holidays. It features dark green or blue-green needles arranged in a unique double-row pattern, giving it an elegant look. Its pyramidal shape and dense branches create the perfect canvas for your ornaments. Additionally, the Douglas Fir is known for excellent needle retention, meaning it will stay fresh and green throughout the season.
Scotch Pine
The Scotch Pine is a classic choice with bright green needles that are shorter and more rigid than those of the White Pine. Its sturdy branches can support even the heaviest of decorations, making it a practical selection for those who love to adorn their tree with lots of ornaments. When properly watered, Scotch Pines exhibit good needle retention, ensuring your tree will remain vibrant and appealing during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Trees
To wrap things up let’s answer some commonly-asked questions about fresh-cut Christmas trees:
When should I buy my Christmas tree in Chicago?
Many tree farms open as early as late November so that you can get into the holiday spirit even sooner. However, for the freshest selection, aim to purchase your tree in early December.
How do I choose the right-sized tree for my space?
Measure the height and width of the area where you plan to place your tree, ensuring your chosen tree will fit comfortably with enough room for decorations and a tree topper.
How do I prevent my tree from catching fire?
First of all, always keep your tree away from open flames like fireplaces and candles. You should also make sure your tree lights are in good condition and always turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed. Finally, you can make your tree less susceptible to fire by keeping it hydrated through regular waterings and using Prolong.
How should I discard my Chicago Christmas tree?
The City of Chicago often offers tree recycling programs that turn discarded Christmas trees into mulch, which is then used to enrich local gardens and municipal parks. Check with your nearby recycling center for drop-off locations and times.
Selecting and maintaining a fresh-cut Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition that brings a touch of nature into our homes. No matter what kind of tree you choose, each type has its own unique qualities that are sure to brighten your holiday spirit. To browse our top-notch selection of holiday trees, please visit our garden centers in Bloomingdale and Carpentersville! We offer over 4,000 fresh-cut Christmas trees at both locations in a wide range of sizes and varities.
Still have questions? Use our link or come in and talk to one of our Christmas lot team members!
Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago’s premier garden center and nursery.
