There’s a lot to consider when buying a tree, but one thing is for sure: Artificial trees are for goobers. A Christmas tree inspires the holiday spirit; it’s the pièce de résistance of your Christmas décor. And now that you’ve worked through the last of your Thanksgiving leftovers, there’s no reason to suppress that Christmas excitement: String up those Christmas lights, hang those nostalgic Christmas stockings, pour a glass of eggnog, and go pick out the perfect Christmas tree.

How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree

Finding your tree is like a Christmas scavenger hunt, so make sure to have fun.

1. Choose Your Spot
The first step in picking out a Christmas tree is deciding where it’s going to go. Pick a spot, and use a tape measure to find the height and circumference limits of your tree-to-be. Make sure you also measure the maximum circumference of your tree stand, or bring it along for step two.

2. Drive to Your Lot
Load up the vehicle, grab some rope, and find your Christmas tree lot. Most lots are going to be selling an assortment of Fraser Fir trees, so you’re bound to find a good tree no matter where you wind up. If you can, try and buy a tree cut from a local farm – not only will you be contributing to your community, you’ll also be buying a tree that’s comfortable in your local climate.

3. Search For Your Tree
You know the size of the tree you’re looking for, and you’ve found your lot. Now it’s time to find your tree. Search for trees that fit your space. When you find ones that do, take a closer look:

• Are the needles falling off easily?
• Are the needles brown?
• Are any of the branches falling off?

If you answered yes to any of the following, move on. You’re looking for a healthy tree, with full branches and a uniform shape. Healthy trees retain their needles, have a fresh and strong smell, and are still green. You’ll know the right tree when you see it.

4. Wrap and Re-cut the Tree
If you’re buying from a lot, there’s a good chance they have a Christmas tree wrapper – if not, bring some rope, and wrap your tree so the branches bend upwards toward the middles of the tree. This will keep branches from snapping in the wind on the ride home, and make it easier to carry.

After the tree is wrapped, have the lot attendants re-cut the stump. This will allow it to take up water in the stand, and keep your tree healthier for longer.

5. Bring it Home
This is where the ropes come in handy. Strap the tree to the car and drive slow. If you forgot your rope, most tree lots keep some extra lying around. Once you get home, set it in the stand, give it some water, and get to decorating!

Caring for your Tree

Now that your tree is all set up, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Caring for your tree from here is easy. All you need to do is make sure it has enough water each day, and keep it from catching on fire! All joking aside, Christmas tree fires happen, and they’ll ruin a holiday quicker than spoiled eggnog.

The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association has some great information on tree safety, and care that we’d advise you to review.

From everyone at Autopark Chrysler Jeep, have a safe and happy holidays!