For first-timers and annual buyers alike, this is your go-to guide for getting the most out of your real Christmas tree experience—before, during, and after you’ve found “the one!”
Prepping For Your Tree
There are just TWO things you need to do before you find your tree.
1. Pick the Right Spot and Measure
Choose a location in your home that has enough space for your tree, away from heat sources and strong direct sunlight, which can impact freshness.
Tip: Measure both your ceiling height and the width of your space — and keep in mind the tree’s taper and shape. Don’t “eyeball” it. What looks perfect on the lot may be too large once indoors.
2. Find the Right Stand for Your Tree
The trunk size will give you an idea of how big your stand needs to be, and they’re labeled with the maximum tree height they support. The stand should hold a quart of water per inch of trunk diameter and water will be displaced by the trunk itself. For large trees, look for a stand that has weight and a wide base or legs that extend beyond the stand. If you don’t already have a stand, many tree farms and retailers sell them for easy pickup — just call ahead to confirm availability.
Reminder: If you’re reusing a stand, be sure to check the durability of the material and water capacity before use.
Types of Stands
Traditional with Eye Bolts
The most common stand type is a two-person job for set-up with four or five eye bolts to secure the tree.
Clamps or Claws
Simple to set-up by stepping on a ratcheting foot pedal to clamp the trunk in place.
Pin Style
An easy solution for one-person set-up and often found at choose-and-cut farms or seasonal lots where retailers will drill a hole in the tree trunk that corresponds to the pin in the stand.
Decorator Stands
Adds a fancy flair, just make sure the reservoir has enough water capacity for your tree.
Antique and Vintage
While stylish, they rarely have the water-holding capacity to keep your Christmas tree fresh all season long.
Don’t forget, the trees always look smaller on the lot or the farm. So, make sure you know how high those ceilings are and measure your tree.”
Carrie, 2nd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, North Carolina
Where to Buy
Options for places to buy your real Christmas tree will vary depending on where you live.
You can make it a memorable experience no matter which location is right for you!
Choose & Cut Farms
Wander the farm, find “the one,” and enjoy family-friendly activities for an outdoor tradition you’ll remember.
Seasonal Lots
Charming pop-up lots offer hometown holiday spirit. Great for a quick family outing while supporting your community.
Garden Centers
With a curated tree selection and artisan décor, plant and design experts can offer helpful advice for your holiday setup.
Home Improvement Stores
Pick up your tree along with ornaments, décor, and a gift or two, all in one trip.
Other Local Retailers
Convenient and quick. Grab your tree along with other essentials at your local grocery or hardware store.
There are even online options for purchasing a real Christmas tree!
The advice I would give would be to really make an event out of it. Make it something special that you’re going to go out and do with your family and invest in the experience.”
Elijah, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Michigan
Check out all the options above and find your perfect location with our Retail Locator.
Finding Your Tree
It’s time! Your home is ready, you’ve got your measurements, and you know where you are going. Here are tips to keep in mind as you browse the selection at your retailer.
And don’t forget to take a deep breath and enjoy that Christmas scent!
Measure
Measure the height of your tree to ensure it works with your ceiling height.
Check It Twice
Gently grasp the branch to test strength and freshness. A fresh tree should feel supple with only a few green needles coming loose when pulled. Some brown needles on the interior of the tree are completely normal, even on the freshest trees.
Make a Fresh Cut
A fresh cut is essential! Ask the retailer for a fresh cut of an inch or so on the trunk so the tree can drink up plenty of water. If you can’t place your tree in water right away when you get it home, be sure to make another fresh cut before getting it in your tree stand.
Shake it Out
If available on site, ask the retailer to shake your tree using one of their mechanical shakers. Or bump the stump of the tree on the ground several times to remove loose debris.
Load It Up
For easy transport home, have your retailer bale your tree first, then secure it to your car’s roof with the tree’s trunk facing forward.
Water Immediately
Once you bring your tree home, place it in water as soon as possible. Just use tap water. No additives needed.
Look to see how the trees are taken care of when you get to the lot. We prefer that trees are displayed under shade. And if you’re in a warmer climate, it’s good to see trees standing up in water. If a tree is well cared for, no matter where you are, most needles will stay on the branches when you give them a light pull.”
Luke, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Oregon
What makes a real tree special is that every tree is different; you’ll never take home the same tree. Each tree is unique to each Christmas.”
Travis, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Michigan
Enjoying Your Tree All Season
It’s easy to keep your tree looking (and smelling!) fresh throughout the holiday.
The most important thing to remember is water.
Just like you, your tree needs plenty of hydration. Check the stand once a day and make sure the trunk’s base stays submerged.
Pro Tip: Set a daily reminder to add water to the stand. And check twice a day on those first few days after bringing your tree home.
Make sure the stand has plenty of water, and you will be able to enjoy your real Christmas tree throughout the season.”
Carrie, 2nd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, North Carolina
When The Season’s Over
Once you’ve enjoyed all the Christmas cheer your real tree brings, make removal easier by opening a large tarp on the floor next to your tree. Lay the tree on the tarp, bring up the ends to “wrap” the tree, and carry it outside using the corners of the tarp.
Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, and there are simple, creative ways to give yours a second life:
Local Recycling Programs Many cities and counties offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations. Most of these trees are chipped into mulch for community parks.
DIY Crafts Slice the trunk into coasters or use branches for décor or craft projects.
In the Garden Use loose needles as a soil cover and fertilizer, turn the tree into mulch, or lay boughs over perennials to insulate them.
For Wildlife Place your tree outdoors as a bird feeder or donate it to farms and sanctuaries that use them for habitat projects.
Joy to the Real
Your Real Christmas Tree Checklist
Here’s a handy checklist that’s so simple you won’t need to check it twice.
Pick a Spot and Measure
Pick the spot to display your tree and measure your ceiling height.
Stand Selection
Find the right stand for your tree.
Where to Buy
Decide where you’re going to buy.
Pick Out Your Tree
Check the tree you like for freshness, measure the height, and make a fresh cut.
Before Leaving With Your Tree
Ensure your tree gets a good shake and ask for a bale for transport.
Water. Water. Water.
Get your tree in water when you get it home and water 2x daily for the first few days and 1x day for the rest of the season.
Properly Dispose or Recycle
Transport via tarp out of your house and recycle when the season is over.
Christmas Tree Farmers Also Want You to Know
Going to the tree farm or going to the lot is always an adventure. Looking to see which kind of Christmas tree you like, whether it’s skinny or fat or full or a little bit more sparse, it’s always different and always fun and unique.”
Carrie, 2nd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, North Carolina
As a young boy watching my grandparents grow Christmas trees, they always said they grew Christmas memories and that made Christmas a really special time of the year for me and my family.”
Derek, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Wisconsin
Growing up on a Christmas tree farm is a way of life. Working with my dad, two brothers, and my son, we have three generations all on the same farm. It’s a great experience. It brings a lot of joy.”
Tyler, 2nd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Oregon
The scent of a real Christmas tree brings to mind my family being together during Christmas. That feeling of nostalgia but also the joy of the season and getting excited for Christmas.”
Elijah, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Michigan
Seeing a nice crop of trees grow up into a field of trees is very picturesque and peaceful. It’s a calming enjoyable lifestyle, and I love doing it.”
Travis, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, New York
For families who are looking to make memories, I’d recommend a real tree because when you go out as a family to pick out your tree, it’s the whole family together searching to find what you want to put in your home.”
Luke, 3rd Generation Christmas Tree Grower, Oregon
