There’s something about the moment a Christmas tree goes up in a home that signals the beginning of the holiday season. But truthfully, that moment doesn’t begin in the living room. It begins in the decision-making: When should we get the tree this year?
The answer, as many Illinois families discover, isn’t as straightforward as it seems. There’s a rhythm to the season, and getting the timing right is about more than marking a date on the calendar. It’s about knowing what matters most, like freshness, tradition, simplicity, or maybe just making it work with a busy week.
Why Timing Matters
In Illinois, winter doesn’t hesitate. Cold snaps and dry indoor air arrive quickly, which means timing plays a real role in how long a real Christmas tree will last and how it looks in the process.
The key is timing. A tree cut too early may dry out before Christmas morning. One picked too late might have spent too long on the lot, already losing moisture and vibrancy. Chosen at the right moment and handled with care, it stays vibrant, safe, and full of life through Christmas morning.
Freshness means confidence knowing your tree is clean, safe, and cared for. While the look and scent are part of it, what matters most is the comfort of bringing a tree you can trust into your home. It’s a balance of beauty, safety, and holiday tradition.
The Best Time to Buy in Illinois
Late November: Right after Thanksgiving
This is the busiest and most traditional time to buy. Tree farms and nurseries are fully stocked, and families often use Thanksgiving weekend to kick off the season. The selection is wide, and if freshness is maintained, the tree can last well into the new year.
But it’s a trade-off. An early purchase means more responsibility in caring for the tree over time. Indoor heat can pull moisture from the needles, leaving them brittle and prone to shedding. As it dries, the scent fades, branches droop, and the risk of the tree becoming a fire hazard increases.
Early December: A Practical Middle Ground
For many, early December offers the best balance. By this time, the holiday season has begun to take shape, and there’s still a broad selection of fresh trees available. Cooler indoor temperatures and shorter display time help the tree stay fresh longer without as much upkeep.
It’s often less crowded than Thanksgiving weekend, and the pace feels more relaxed. It’s a good time to choose thoughtfully. However, if you have a premium or specific-sized tree in mind, there is always a chance it will no longer be available on your chosen lot.
Mid-December: Fewer Choices, Sometimes Lower Prices
By mid-December, the inventory thins. Trees that remain may have been cut earlier, and some premium shapes or sizes may already be gone. But for households that prioritize a shorter display time (or want to avoid the early-season rush), this window can work well.
Some sellers lower prices to move remaining stock, and this can be an important factor when considering where and when to buy. At this point in the season, it becomes more important to ask when the tree was cut and how it’s been cared for.
Factors to Consider
Beyond the calendar date, here are key factors to keep in mind when buying your tree:
- Tree Species: Some hold needles better than others. Fraser firs and balsam firs, for example, are known for durability and fragrance.
- Placement and size: Measure the space where the tree will go. Keep in mind the height of your room, the width of your display space, and how much room you want for lights and ornaments.
- Storage and Environment: Once inside, trees are exposed to heat, dryness, and human activity. Placement away from vents, fireplaces, or direct sunlight makes a real difference.
- Watering Routine: A tree can drink a surprising amount of water, especially in the first few days. A reliable stand and daily checks keep it hydrated and reduce fire risk.
- Disposal & Recycling Plans: In many Illinois communities, there are options for tree recycling or composting, but schedules and services vary. Thinking ahead helps avoid stress in January.
How to Bring Your Tree Home
Choosing a tree at your local nursery isn’t complicated, but it still helps to come prepared. Even on a short visit, small details can shape the whole experience.
Even though it’s not a trek into the woods, a little preparation still goes a long way:
Dress warmly
Even though you’re not in a field, you’ll likely be outside browsing in the lot. Hats, gloves, and waterproof boots make the difference between a quick, thoughtful decision and a rushed, uncomfortable one.
Bring a tape measure
Trees often look smaller outdoors than they do once they’re inside. A quick measurement of ceiling height at home and the space around where you’ll place the tree helps avoid surprises.
Plan for transport
Whether it’s a roof rack, an open trunk, or folded seats, knowing how your tree will get home keeps the process stress-free. Staff can help with loading, but securing it safely is key.
Think through your stand
If you already have one, check its size and sturdiness before you shop. If you need a new one, nurseries can help match you with a stand that fits the tree’s trunk diameter.
And be sure to ask about care tips on-site! Our staff can show you how to check for freshness, make a fresh cut if needed, and give advice on keeping your tree healthy through the season.
Picking a tree at the nursery is laid-back by design. It’s meant to be a part of the holiday buildup where you step out of the rush, breathe in some cold air, and focus on bringing home your anchor to the Christmas season.
Should You Buy Real or Artificial?
There isn’t one right answer, just different values and lifestyles.
Real Tree Pros:
- Wonderful fresh pine scent and authentic feel.
- Supporting local farms and renewable seasonal agriculture.
- If chosen and cared for properly, you get weeks of enjoyment.
Real Tree Cons:
- Requires water and care to remain fresh.
- Needles will drop eventually.
- You’ll dispose of or recycle it after the season.
Artificial Tree Pros:
- Reusable for many years, cost‑effective over time.
- No watering required, easy upkeep.
- Some models come pre‑lit and are very convenient.
Artificial Tree Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (though amortized) and less “fresh tree” authenticity.
- Storage space required for off‑season.
- There are no sustainable disposal options.
At Platt Hill Nursery, we recommend that if you value the ritual and “fresh tree smell,” go with a real tree and buy at the right time. If convenience, reuse, and minimal maintenance are top priorities, artificial can be great.
Some families switch between the two over time. Others find their preference early and stay with it. What matters is choosing what fits your home and lifestyle.
Fun and Festive All Season Long
The best time to buy your Christmas tree in Illinois depends on what matters most to you. Timing, care, and presence aren’t complicated–they’re meaningful. Each plays a part in how your tree looks, lasts, and fills your home with the spirit of the season.
At Platt Hill Nursery, every tree is selected and cared for to meet the highest standards. We’ll help you choose the right species, the right size, and the right moment, so your home can capture the freshness and comfort that make the season truly begin.
If you’re gearing up this year, swing by Platt Hill Nursery (either our Carpentersville or Bloomingdale location) and we’ll help you pick the perfect tree, answer your care questions, and make sure your home feels merry and bright. Or explore our selection online and get inspired by timeless holiday greenery, fresh scents, and simple traditions that last.
