DENVER, Colo. – Buying a Christmas tree can represent the start of the holiday season. But trees can be expensive. If you want it to last until the big day, there are simple steps to take when buying the perfect tree.
Doug Brown is the owner of Reindeer Ranch in Denver, Colorado. He’s been selling Christmas trees since 1997. So, he knows a thing or two about what type of Christmas tree lasts the longest.
Brown says, "the noble firs and the Fraser firs tend to be the Cadillacs of trees. Those are going to be the ones that give you the best look and the most longevity."
When picking a tree on the lot, Brown suggests doing the touch and smell test. If no needles fall off and it smells like pine, it’s a healthy tree.
As for the price of the tree, this year you might be paying a little extra.
Brown says, “we are in a tree shortage right now."
That means the demand outweighs the supply.
Before you leave the lot, make sure you get a fresh cut on the bottom of your tree. That way it soaks up all the water when you bring it home.
Once your home Brown says, "get it into your stand and put water in it right away no longer than 6 to 8 hours."
Make sure to check the water daily. A tree drinks about a gallon of water a day.
Also, never place your tree next to a vent, fireplace or window because that will dry out the tree. There’s also no need to put fertilizer or Miracle Grow in the water.
Brown says, if you follow these simple tips, you and your loved ones will be enjoying your perfect tree the entire holiday season.
Brown is not only selling trees this year. He is also holding a toy drive too. On Saturday, December 14, they will be giving away 200 toys to families in need. The toy drive starts at 10 a.m.
