Giordano Christmas Tree Truths (part I)
When Should I Shop for a Tree?
The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when most Christmas tree shopping begins. And you should shop for a Christmas tree as early as possible as it will pay off with less competition for higher quality Christmas tree selections and a fresher holiday tree. This is because most trees are already harvested by mid-November, and it is good to buy them early and get them into water as soon as possible.
What type of tree should I choose?
The following trees will be found at Giordano’s starting the weekend following Thanksgiving:
FRASER FIR: The Fraser fir branches turn slightly upward. They have good form and needle-retention. They are dark blue-green in color. They have a pleasant scent, and excellent shipping characteristics as well.
DOUGLAS-FIR: These soft needles are dark green to blue green in color and are approximately 1 to 1 ½ in. in length. Douglas-fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. They are one of the major Christmas tree species in the U.S.
BALSAM FIR: These needles are ¾ to 1½ in. in length and last a very long time. This tree has a dark-green appearance and retains its pleasing fragrance throughout the Christmas season.
NOBLE FIR: These needles turn upward, exposing the lower branches. Known for its beauty, the noble fir has a long keepability, and its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments, as well as providing excellent greenery for wreaths and garland.
Tips on Selecting your Tree
Use these practical tips to be a more informed consumer and to ensure a great experience with your real Christmas tree.
- Measure your space – Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to buy. Measure the ceiling height and the width in the room where the tree will be displayed. Trees in the field look small when the sky is the ceiling. Most Christmas trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper. So a tree that’s 10′ tall will be 8′ wide at the bottom. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally.
- Do a branch/needle test for freshness – Run a branch through your enclosed hand – the needles should not come off easily. Bend the outer branches – they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.
Coming Next, Part II: A Brief History of Christmas Trees, and how to care for a fresh cut tree once you get it home.