10 Tips How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree

As the holiday season draws near, the scent of gingerbread fills the air, festive lights twinkle on every street, and familiar carols create a joyful atmosphere. It’s also the perfect time to embrace a beloved tradition—picking out the perfect Christmas tree. For many, this moment signals the true start of the holiday season, filling the home with warmth and festive cheer.

But choosing a Christmas tree comes with a big decision: Should you go for the charm of a real, live tree or the convenience of an artificial one from KingofChristmas.com? It’s not just about how the tree looks—it’s about how it feels, the memories it creates, and how well it suits your holiday vision. Whether it’s your first time choosing a tree or you’re a seasoned holiday enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the steps to picking the perfect Christmas tree.

1. Know Your Options: Real or Artificial?

When it comes to choosing a Christmas tree, the first decision is whether to go with a live tree or an artificial one. Each option has its own appeal, and understanding the pros and cons can help you decide which is right for you.

• Live Trees: Nothing beats the fresh smell and feel of a live Christmas tree. Types like the Douglas fir, Balsam fir, and Scotch pine are popular choices, each with its own unique qualities. A Douglas fir has dense, soft needles, while a Balsam fir is known for its strong holiday scent. The Scotch pine is celebrated for its sturdy branches that hold ornaments well and its ability to retain needles longer.
• Artificial Trees: If convenience is a priority, an artificial tree might be your best bet. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors, offering a perfect tree year after year without the need for watering or cleaning up fallen needles. They’re also ideal for families who want to avoid the hassle of finding and disposing of a live tree every year.

2. Pay Attention to Color and Health

The color of a Christmas tree is a good indicator of its overall quality and freshness, especially if you’re opting for a live tree.

• For Live Trees: Look for a tree with deep green needles. This color indicates the tree is fresh and well-hydrated. Avoid trees with a faded or dull green color, as this may mean they are starting to dry out. Gently pull on the needles—if they come off easily, it’s a sign that the tree may not last through the holiday season.
• For Artificial Trees: One of the advantages is the consistency in color. Artificial trees maintain their perfect shade of green (or white, if you prefer a snow-frosted look) year after year. This ensures your tree looks vibrant and lush from every angle, creating a beautiful backdrop for lights and ornaments.

3. Test for Freshness

When choosing a live tree, it’s essential to ensure that it’s fresh enough to last through the holiday season.

• Check Needle Retention: Lightly grab a branch and gently run your fingers through the needles. If many needles fall off, it’s not the freshest tree.
• The Shake Test: Tap the base of the tree on the ground. If a large number of needles fall off, it may not make it to Christmas Day in good condition. A fresh tree will hold onto its needles longer and stay healthy with regular watering.

Artificial trees, of course, don’t have this issue. Once you set it up, it stays in perfect shape throughout the season with no shedding, giving you one less thing to worry about.

4. Consider Your Space

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of picking the perfect Christmas tree, but before you settle on one, take a moment to consider the size and layout of your room.

• Measure the Space: Make sure the tree will fit comfortably in your home, both in terms of height and width. Remember to factor in the height of the tree stand and any topper you plan to use. A tree that’s too tall might brush against the ceiling, while one that’s too wide could overwhelm the room.
• Artificial Tree Sizes: One of the advantages of artificial trees is that they come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your space perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a compact tree for a small apartment or a towering showstopper for a grand living room, there’s an artificial tree to match.

5. Make Tree Shopping a Fun Experience

If you’re choosing a live tree, visiting tree lots or Christmas tree farms can be a magical holiday tradition. Wandering through rows of evergreens with a cup of hot cocoa in hand is a festive experience all on its own.

• Explore Tree Farms: Many families make this an annual outing, complete with holiday music and the joy of searching for that one perfect tree. It’s a chance to spend time outdoors and create lasting memories.
• Artificial Tree Convenience: On the other hand, artificial trees offer convenience. You can easily select and order the perfect tree online, saving time and effort. This is especially appealing for those who prefer to avoid the cold or don’t have the time to visit multiple tree lots.

6. Plan for Decorations

A Christmas tree is not complete without its decorations, so consider how your ornaments and lights will look on your tree. Some trees are better suited for heavy ornamentation than others.

• Live Trees: Pines and firs are often favored for their strong, sturdy branches that can support a wide range of ornaments, from delicate glass baubles to heavier decorations.
• Artificial Trees: Many artificial trees are designed with reinforced branches that can easily handle the weight of multiple ornaments. If you have a large collection of decorations, look for an artificial tree with strong branches and plenty of space for hanging ornaments.

7. Keep Safety in Mind

Safety is a priority during the holiday season, especially when it comes to your Christmas tree.

• For Live Trees: Make sure to keep your tree well-watered to prevent it from drying out, as dry trees can become a fire hazard. Position your tree away from fireplaces, heaters, or any other heat sources to reduce the risk of fire.
• For Artificial Trees: Many artificial trees are made from fire-resistant materials, giving you peace of mind during the holiday season. They also eliminate the need for watering and the risk of drying out, making them a safer option in some households.

8. Think About Longevity

A live tree is a seasonal joy, but once the holidays are over, it needs to be disposed of. Artificial trees, on the other hand, offer long-term value.

• Live Trees: While live trees create a nostalgic and festive feel, they have a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced each year.
• Artificial Trees: Investing in an artificial tree ensures that you have a beautiful, reusable tree for many years to come. With proper storage, an artificial tree can last for decades, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice in the long run.

9. Don’t Forget the Christmas Scent

One of the most loved features of a live Christmas tree is its fresh, piney aroma. But if you choose an artificial tree, there are still ways to bring that iconic holiday scent into your home.

• Live Trees: Balsam firs are known for their wonderful fragrance, filling your home with the natural scent of the forest.
• Artificial Trees: If you miss the smell of a live tree, you can use Christmas-scented candles or sprays to capture the essence of the season. Many companies offer sprays specifically designed to mimic the fresh scent of a real tree, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

10. Ease of Cleanup

After the holidays, the excitement of cleaning up the decorations quickly fades. Consider how much effort you’re willing to put into the post-holiday cleanup.

• Live Trees: As they dry out, live trees shed needles that can be difficult to clean, often requiring constant vacuuming.
• Artificial Trees: Cleanup is much easier with an artificial tree. Once the season is over, simply pack it away in a storage bag, and it will be ready for next year with no mess to deal with.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Tree for Your Holiday

Choosing the right Christmas tree is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about finding the tree that fits your lifestyle, space, and holiday traditions. Whether you opt for the fresh scent and authenticity of a live tree or the lasting convenience of an artificial tree, the perfect tree is the one that brings joy to your home and helps create lasting holiday memories.

This holiday season, let your Christmas tree be the centerpiece of warmth, joy, and celebration in your home.