Where to Buy Christmas Trees

Qualities to Look for When Buying Christmas Trees

Buying a beautiful Christmas tree is trickier than just choosing a green one. The following qualities should always be considered when looking for the perfect tree:

• Height: A tree that is too short may look even more undersized in a room with tall ceilings.
• Diameter: Large, open spaces look fabulous with thick trees, but narrower rooms may need slimmer pines.
• Shape: Which shape to choose – rounded, conical, full, narrow, etc. – is purely a matter of personal preference but can be critical when finding the right tree for your celebrations. Be sure to check for holes or gaps in branches as well as protruding tips.
• Symmetry: A symmetrical tree is one that will look fabulous when viewed from any angle.
• Color: Some pines are a rich emerald green, while others may have a hint of blue or gray. Artificial trees even come in a wider range of shades, including white, pink, and blue.
• Needle texture: Different species of pine trees have needles and branches with different levels of suppleness. This can be important for decorating the tree or avoiding painful prickles. Furthermore, pine trees with more flexibility are generally fresher and will last longer.

Real Trees

Individuals who buy real Christmas trees also need to consider several additional factors:

• Trunk cut: The base of the trunk should be even and uniform so it can easily be mounted in a stand.
• Shedding: A tree that sheds needles profusely will be more difficult to clean up after the holidays are over.
• Transportation: While a large tree may be a grand decoration, it can also be difficult to transport home without scratching a vehicle or distorting the size of the tree.

Artificial Trees

Artificial trees also have some additional considerations for consumers.

• Lights: Pre-lit trees are convenient but can be more costly than bare trees.
• Tips: The number of tips an artificial Christmas tree has is an indication of how full the tree will appear and how many decorations it can support.
• Assembly: How an artificial tree is assembled is a major concern for reusing the tree year after year.

Where to Buy Christmas Trees Locally

Many consumers opt to buy Christmas trees from local retailers, not only for convenience but also to help support the local economy. Locally grown trees may be more ecologically sound because they do not require extra transportation, and they may be less expensive than imported trees. Whether a consumer is interested in a real or artificial tree, there are many local retailers from which to choose.

Places to find Christmas trees locally include:

• Chain retail stores
• Home decorating stores
• Independent decorating stores and boutiques
• Home improvement stores that may have both real and artificial trees available
• Grocery stores
• Independent Christmas tree lots
• Local tree farms
• Landscaping nurseries

Buying Trees Online

Some consumers may have difficulty finding just the right tree from local merchants, but fortunately there are many online options for different sizes, styles, and species of Christmas trees. When shopping online, however, consumers should always check shipping charges and times, compare prices, and investigate any warranties about the quality of their tree before completing a purchase. Many retailers also offer Christmas wreaths, garlands, and other greenery as well for coordinated holiday decorations.

Artificial trees online:

• Tree Classics
• Christmas Depot
• Christmas Trees Galore
• Christmas Tree for Me

Trees aren't cheap.

• Balsam Hill
• The Christmas Outlet
• Christmas Lights Etc.
• Christmas Tree Search
• AluminumChristmasTrees.net
• Artificial Plants and Trees
• Christmas Tree Market

Real trees online:

• Tannenbaum’s
• Christmas Trees Galore
• Christmas Tree Farm Network
• FreshChristmasTree.com
• Christmas Tree Search
• Visit My Tree
• The Christmas Tree Company

Tree Costs

Christmas tree costs vary greatly depending on the type of tree, its size, where it originated, shipping charges (or transportation costs for trees shipped to lots in a different area), and other factors. Real trees range from $20 to more than $300, while artificial trees cost from $50 to more than $3,000. This may seem exorbitant, but consumers also need to factor in the cost of ornaments, lights, and other necessities to turn a pine tree into the perfect Christmas tree.

Individuals interested in less expensive trees may want to shop in late November or early December for the best selection and prices on real trees, while there are sales all season long on artificial trees. After-Christmas sales can yield real bargains on artificial trees as well, though the selection will be severely depleted.

Final Note

The decision of where to buy Christmas trees is one that should not be taken lightly – different locations may have different tree species, sizes, colors, and qualities, all of which could influence whether or not a tree is right for your holiday celebration. With careful comparisons, however, it is easy to find just the right tree to light up, decorate, and enjoy for the holidays.

For more Christmas tips and tricks, visit LoveToKnow Christmas!