The jolly season brings incredible joy, fun decorations, and the perfect centrepiece: the Christmas tree. Many people have an annual ritual of selecting the ideal one, either a synthetic beauty or a fresh, aromatic evergreen.
Still, when you’re distracted by the holiday thrills, it’s quite easy to make a few mistakes while buying that enchanted addition to your house. Avoiding these classic blunders will not only save you time and money, but also keep you from turning into the Grinch.
So, let’s explore the main blunders individuals usually make when choosing their holiday conifer and how to prevent them.
Choosing the Wrong Size
When you see rows of exquisite trees, it’s all too tempting to be caught in the moment and pick the largest one. Many individuals don’t take into account the dimensions of their living area, which results in choosing a tree that is either too tall or too wide.
Imagine lugging a huge evergreen only to discover that the top scrapes the ceiling, or worse, that it hardly fits in your living room.
Measure the area you intend to put a tree in, including its width and height, before you go shopping.
To allow room for a topper and prevent that squashed appearance, there should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) between the top of the tree and your ceiling. Ensuring that the base of the tree has ample room for presents is crucial as well.
This step is even more important for those who prefer investing in Christmas tree delivery services.
Imagine getting back to your house only to discover a massive conifer that you could hardly squeeze in the door. So, get your measurements in check before placing the order. It’s as easy as that.
Overlooking the Tree’s Freshness
Nothing else compares to the aroma of a spruce tree. Still, many individuals underestimate the need to select a fresh one, particularly when shopping at retailers or tree lots.
A tree that has been lying about for weeks will dry out rapidly and begin to shed needles before Christmas morning even starts.
Test the tree by pulling a branch gently. If the needles come off easily, it is already past its prime. On the other hand, search for ones with flexible branches and a vivid, deep green hue. Brittle, stiff branches indicate that the tree is in poor condition.
One of the best ways to guarantee this is to get a real Christmas fir. Many vendors prune the trees just before delivery, guaranteeing their continued vitality upon arrival.
Although you won’t be able to pick it out in person, choosing a reputable delivery service increases your chances of getting a healthier one.
Forgetting to Consider Tree Species
Not all Christmas conifers are made equal. Some are prized for their strong branches or needle retention, while others are well-known for their strong aroma. Many purchasers fail to consider which tree species will best fit their needs, which often results in disappointment.
The following brief overview includes a breakdown of the most common species:
- Nordmann Fir. Popular for its glossy, dark green colour and great needle retention, this tree is ideal for those trying to cut everyday needle sweeping out of their routine;
- Norway’s Spruce. Though it has a strong, woody smell, this classic Christmas tree often loses its needles more quickly than other varieties.
- Fraser Fir. It is excellent for heavy ornaments thanks to its sturdy branches. It’s also known for its revitalising scent.
Think about what you need most in a tree before you make any purchases. Should aroma be your first concern, you could find yourself leaning towards a spruce. On the other hand, If you have plenty of hefty decorations, your best bet will be a Fraser fir.
Skimping on the Tree Stand
Cutting corners when choosing a holder is one of the most annoying errors individuals make while shopping for a Christmas tree.
However, keeping your tree healthy and steady over the Christmas season depends critically on this stand. A weak or badly built one can make your festive presentation a holiday hazard.
Make sure it is the correct size for your fir first. Generally speaking, the stand should hold about one litre of water for every inch of the tree’s trunk diameter.
For example, if the trunk measures 4 inches wide (approximately 10 centimetres), the stand should be able to contain about 4 litres of water. This ensures that your tree remains hydrated and fresh during the holiday season.
Moreover, if you have pets or youngsters who will probably be inclined to prod the tree, a strong, wide-leg holder can prevent your tree from tilting.
A decent stand can also help it remain hydrated. Maintaining your evergreen’s needles depends on keeping the water reservoir full, since spruce trees can absorb up to a litre of water daily.
Certain live Christmas tree delivery companies even provide stands specifically tailored to the one you’ve chosen, therefore guaranteeing that it’s the perfect fit.
Not Planning for Disposal
After weeks of admiring the twinkling lights and glittering decorations, it’ll finally be time to bid your dear evergreen farewell. Many fail to arrange for tree disposal, therefore leaving a shedding, brittle mess long after the ornaments have been thrown away.
Getting rid of a Christmas conifer is not as easy as leaving it on the nearest curb and hoping for the best. Many places have particular collection dates while others require homeowners to bring their trees to authorised recycling facilities.
Should you leave yours for too long, it will dry up entirely. This will make getting around your living space difficult, not to mention that it’ll leave a trail of needles everywhere.
See whether your live Christmas tree delivery business has disposal choices to simplify your end-of-season experience. Once the holiday excitement fizzles out, many businesses also provide handy pick-up and recycling services.
This will allow you to savour your tree until the very last day, knowing that once the season ends, it will be properly cared for.
Purchasing your festive tree should be a cause for celebration, but don’t let common mistakes turn it into a slapstick comedy. From selecting a tree that’s bigger than your living room to ignoring freshness, these blunders can really dampen your holiday cheer.
Keep these key points in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a gorgeous tree that adds charm to your celebrations. With the convenience of Christmas tree delivery, you can relax while the holiday magic comes to you, no sleigh required.