The holiday season is here, and one of the most exciting parts is selecting that perfect Christmas tree. Here at The Secret Garden, we bring in the finest fresh-cut trees from the Pacific Northwest—Noble, Douglas Fir, Nordmann, and Grand Fir—each ready to brighten up your home with the fresh scent of the season.
But once you’ve picked your tree, what can you do to keep it fresh and festive throughout the season? Here’s a quick guide on selecting and caring for your tree to ensure it lasts beautifully.
1. Choosing the Right Tree for Your Space
- Noble Fir: With strong branches and a classic shape, Noble Firs are perfect if you love hanging heavier ornaments. They have a rich green color and needles that hold well.
- Douglas Fir: Known for their sweet scent and soft needles, Douglas Firs are a favorite for creating a cozy holiday feel. They’re a good choice for families with younger children, as the needles are gentle to touch.
- Nordmann Fir: A Nordmann offers beautiful, dark green needles that are soft and resist shedding, perfect if you want a tree that stays fresh longer with minimal needle drop.
- Grand Fir: Known for their full shape and glossy, deep green needles, Grand Firs bring a lovely fragrance to your home, giving you a lush look and an inviting scent.
2. Tree Freshness—What to Look For
We take special care to keep our trees as fresh as possible by giving each one a fresh cut as soon as it arrives and keeping them standing in water. When you choose your tree, it will be trimmed again before you take it home, allowing it to absorb water immediately when you get it set up.
Signs of a fresh tree:
- Needles are green, flexible, and fragrant.
- The tree feels heavy, indicating good moisture content.
- Needles should not fall off easily when you run your hand along a branch.
3. Caring for Your Christmas Tree at Home
Proper care starts as soon as you get your tree home. Here are some tips for keeping it fresh:
- Fresh Cut: We give it a fresh cut before it leaves the nursery. This removes any sap that may seal the base and helps the tree drink more water.
- Water, Water, Water: Place your tree in a stand that holds at least a gallon of water, and check daily. Christmas trees are thirsty, and a well-hydrated tree can last weeks!
- Location: Avoid placing the tree near heat sources, like radiators or fireplaces, as this can dry it out faster. Choose a spot that’s cool and away from direct sunlight if possible.
- Stay Away from Additives: Plain water is all you need! Avoid additives or preservatives that can hinder the tree’s ability to stay hydrated.
4. A Fun Secret Garden Tradition: Named Christmas Trees!
Our team goes above and beyond to make your tree selection experience extra special by giving each tree its own name, which families love! Who wouldn’t want to decide between “Gingersnap” and “Star Light” to grace their holiday home? We’ve seen families come back year after year, bringing along their kids to help choose the family tree. Customers often collect and keep their tree’s name tag, which can be a lovely tradition for children or a nostalgic holiday keepsake.
As a fun bonus, if you bring back your tree’s name tag the next holiday season, you’ll receive a discount off your new tree!
Choosing and caring for a fresh Christmas tree can be easy and rewarding with these tips. Do you prefer a living tree? We carry potted lemon cypress in two sizes that are a beautiful alternative to a cut tree. Stop by The Secret Garden this holiday season to find a tree that’s perfect for your home and enjoy a shopping experience as special as the season itself.
— Cozy wishes,
The Team at The Secret Garden
Will you have any silver tip treee?
Hi Denise, no unfortunately we don’t carry those. However Plant Foundry in Oak Park does so try them!