How to Buy a Live Christmas Tree that Lasts

Buying a live Christmas tree is a great way to add to the holiday festiveness in your home. In addition to the real look and feel, the tree's aroma fills the surrounding area with a true evergreen scent that is hard to match with artificial room fresheners.

But picking a tree which is not fresh can turn your holiday dream into a nightmare. "Everybody has their own preferences when it comes to shape and type of tree, but the bottom line is that freshness is key," says Nancy Huffman, Business Coordinator for Regan Brothers Christmas Trees.

Huffman is also quick to point out that everyone seems to have a different take on what "fresh" really means. "People may already have an opinion as to what they think a fresh Christmas tree should look like, but there are a few simple, telltale signs which will tell you that your tree is fresh."

Huffman says the first thing to look for are needles which are true in color. "Each type of evergreen has its own true shade of green or bluish green," she says. "You want to see that the needles hold that true color."

Huffman also says that the needles should be tight on the branches. "To test how tightly the needles are holding to the branches, put your hand on a branch, all the way in, and run your fingers along the branch towards the outside of the tree. If a few needles fall off, the tree is fine. In fact, having a few fall off is natural. But if a lot of needles fall onto your hand or arm, then the tree really isn't fresh."

If possible, Huffman also suggests that you ask the sales staff about the tree's trip from its original home to the tree lot itself. "If you can," she notes, "find out how the trees were stored, and for how long."

Regan's has a unique advantage over many other tree lots, as it is directly involved in almost every aspect of the tree. "We do all of our own growing," Huffman explains, "as well as our own harvesting and shipping. We have control from Day One. It is truly rare, in the holiday tree business, to have that much control. But that allows us to ensure that our trees remain fresh for our customers."�

Of course, even the most carefully tended tree will turn brown and dry if it is not properly cared for when it is brought home. "Once you get the tree home, it's important to put a fresh cut on the tree before putting it into a stand, so it is ready to absorb water," Huffman adds. Regular watering, once every one to three days, will also help keep the needles on the tree.