10 Tips for a Successful Christmas Tree Purchase

We’ve gathered 10 essential tips to ensure your Christmas tree purchase is a success.

1. Choose the Right Height. Make sure you know the height of your ceiling before buying your tree. Many people mistakenly bring home a tree that’s too tall. Remember, the base can add an extra few inches.

    

2. Choose the Appropriate Type. “Kungsgran” (Nordmann fir) is different from the Swedish spruce and retains its needles even when dry. While spruce is traditional, other types like pine are popular in the USA and Northern Sweden. If someone in your home is allergic to real trees, consider a high-quality artificial tree. These are more realistic than cheaper alternatives and remain beautiful year after year.

    

3. Consider Environmental Impact. The Swedish Nature Conservation Society recommends a real tree over an artificial one. A study in Montreal found that a cultivated spruce has a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to an artificial tree, unless the artificial tree is used for 20 years. Locally grown trees are preferable due to reduced transportation emissions.

    

4. Inspect the Tree Carefully. Feel the needles near the tips of the branches; they should be firmly attached if the tree is fresh. If they fall off easily, the tree is likely already dry. Needles falling off further down the branch can be due to lack of sunlight, not necessarily poor quality.

    

5. Give the Tree a Fresh Cut. Cut about two centimeters off the trunk to help the tree absorb water. We cut our trees right before delivering them, ensuring they receive fresh cuts shortly before reaching your home.

    

6. Allow the Tree to Acclimate. If it’s very cold outside, let the tree adjust for about a day. A sudden shift from -20°C to +20°C can cause the tree’s bark to crack. Gradually introduce the tree to warmer temperatures in a garage, stairwell, or similar space. Remember to place it in a bucket of water during this time.

    

7. Prepare the Tree Before Bringing It Inside. Shake off any loose needles, but avoid slamming the trunk against the ground as this can block water absorption. If you keep the plastic netting on while positioning the tree, expect some needles to fall off when you remove it. Ensure the tree is properly sized and trimmed, and keep it away from heat sources like radiators or stoves to prevent drying. Make sure everyone knows the location of a fire extinguisher and how to use it.

    

8. Choose the Right Stand. This might be the most important tip. Use a stand that holds plenty of water, as the tree can drink 1-2 liters daily. Do not remove the bark from the trunk; the tree should fit snugly into the stand. If not, the stand is too small. Some stands use a wire to secure the tree and keep it upright, and these typically hold several liters of water.

    

9. Minimize Cleanup. To avoid half a million needles ending up in your carpet, consider using a tree bag like the Barry tree sack when carrying the tree out.

    

10. Recycle the Tree. Ensure that your Christmas tree is properly recycled after the holiday season.

     

Order Your Christmas Tree with Home Delivery

Since 2002, Julgran.com has been providing high-quality Swedish Christmas trees with convenient home delivery throughout Greater Stockholm. With our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee, you can trust that choosing a fir tree from us means choosing peace of mind.