By Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Marketing and Communications Intern

Christmas Tree Tips

Here are some quick and easy tips to make sure you pick the best tree and keep it fresh all holiday season long!

  1. Trust your source
    When picking the perfect Christmas tree, make sure you go somewhere that you trust that provides top-quality trees. This year, American Forests is partnering with Whole Foods Market®, which sells only premium-quality trees, and, in addition, for each tree sold, they plant an evergreen tree with American Forests in a wildland forest in the U.S.
  2. Keep your eyes open
    Before choosing your tree, check the ground around the base of the trees to make sure there aren’t too many pine needles collected on the ground as this is the sign of a less-than-fresh Christmas tree.
  3. Feel it out
    Look for trees with sturdy branches for hanging your ornaments. Another way to check the freshness of a tree is to run your hand along the branches of a tree — if no needles fall off, then you’ve got a good one.
  4. Do you have a type?
    If you have kids (or rowdy pets!) and want to avoid trees with spiny needles, look for a flexible-needled white pine. If you have allergies, a Leyland cypress should do.
  5. Before you decorate
    Once you choose your perfect tree, keeping it watered is important! Just as you would keep the water in your flower vases fresh and filled, do the same for your Christmas tree. A freshly-cut tree can consume an entire gallon of water in just 24 hours!

Lastly, you should feel good about your Christmas tree purchase! Learn more about our partnership with Whole Foods Market, here.

You can also donate directly to American Forests to help plant even more trees! Trees also make the perfect gift for that someone special in your life who cares about protecting our environment. Give your loved ones the Gift of Trees this holiday season!