How to Pick and Care for the Perfect Christmas Tree on the Central Coast

“Over the river, and through the wood …”1

Just kidding. Well, sort of.

You’ve piled the kids into the car. Everyone’s bundled up, excited to find that perfect Christmas tree. You know—the one. 

You’ve romanticized the perfect Christmas tree-hunting adventure: the family joyfully trekking through the woods (or maybe even snow) until—just like in the movies—you set eyes on the perfect tree illuminated in a golden aura. What could possibly go wrong? 

You confidently whip out your saw, effortlessly chop down the tree, haul it to the car, tie it to the roof, and merrily sing Christmas carols the entire drive home. 

Um, sure. That’s exactly how it plays out, right? Or maybe your reality looks a little more like this:

The children are melting down, cold, hungry, bored, or too tired to make it back to the car. Being the superhero that you are, you agree to carry them—while carrying, or at this point, lugging, the tree, the kids clinging to you like monkeys. 

By the time you reach the car, that tower of perfection you just dragged out of the forest or off the tree farm is now a droopy mess. Charlie Brown, we feel you. 

But just maybe, you can find a fabulous tree and enjoy that picture-perfect Hallmark family adventure without it turning into a scene straight from a “National Lampoon” movie.

With a few tips and tricks, we’ll quickly turn you into a Christmas tree expert, able to spot the one with the speed of light. Not only will you learn what to consider when searching for that perfect tree, you’ll know how to make its magic last. 

Before you know it, you’ll be gathering the family for a Christmas tree outing that might just make your Hallmark dream a reality.

Don’t grab those holiday decorations out of storage just yet. 

First, let’s figure out the best type of Christmas tree for your home.

Choosing the Type of Tree

Let’s take a look at the specific types of trees available in our region and their characteristics, including branch strength and durability once the tree is cut. 

Why branch strength, you ask? If you love to load your tree with a lot of ornaments or other décor, stronger branches will tolerate the weight better than flimsier or more delicate branches. 

Noble Fir

Considered among the best for needle retention (more needles remain on the tree rather than blanket the floor), the Noble fir has strong branches to display your heavier ornaments. 

The Noble fir is very popular and available in most retail locations and tree farms. Even better, it can last four to five weeks. 

Nordmann Fir

With its deeper green, glossy needles, the Nordmann fir has very little, if any, fragrance. So, if you’re sensitive to scents, this tree is a good option. 

The branches are sturdy to hold your ornaments, and you can find this tree in most retail locations. And you can’t beat the Nordmann fir’s longevity—if it’s well taken care of, it should last a minimum of five weeks. 

Douglas Fir

Perhaps its beautiful fragrance is the reason the Douglas Fir is regarded as one of the most traditional Christmas trees. 

The Douglas Fir has light green, soft needles with less-sturdy branches than its fellow firs, making it better suited to lighter-weight decorations. 

While they are one of the most widely available types of Christmas trees, they tend to last only a few weeks, so consider buying this fir closer to mid-December.

Choosing the Tree’s Location

Where do you plan on putting your beloved Christmas tree in your home? Before you buy a tree, here are a few logistics to consider: 

Determine the Tree’s Height

There’s nothing worse than picking out your favorite tree only to find that it doesn’t fit in the house. 

To ensure success, keep in mind that a tree stand will add a few inches to the tree’s height.

If you plan to use a tree topper, allow for an extra 12 inches between the tree’s height and the ceiling; without a topper, allow for six inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling.

The Safest Spot

The tree should be placed in a cool, dry spot away from heat sources and fire hazards (e.g., heaters/heating vents, fireplaces, and even televisions). This will also help maintain the tree’s freshness.

Pick a location away from high traffic areas to minimize bumping into the tree, especially if you have young children or pets. Toppled trees can be dangerous. 

Choosing the Freshest Tree

Check the Trunk

For the freshest tree, the trunk should feel slightly sticky. 

Check the Needles

To find the tree that will last longest, first, bend a needle in half—fresh fir needles should snap while fresh pine needles should bend but not break. 

Then, gently grasp the inner part of a branch and slide your hand towards you. The needles should remain on the tree. Or, tap the cut end of the tree gently on the ground. Do a lot of needles fall off? If so, move on to other trees. 

Check the Color

Depending on the type of tree, the deeper green color of the needles often signifies a fresher tree that will last longer. 

Caring for Your Tree

Whether you cut down your own tree or purchase it from a tree farm or lot, cut off the bottom half inch of the tree trunk. Place the freshly cut tree in water as soon as possible to rehydrate it—an essential step in preserving its freshness.

During the first few days, check the tree stand’s water level several times a day; after that, check daily to keep the stand filled with at least a gallon of water. 

Now that you’re an expert on finding the finest Christmas tree on the Central Coast—and have, no doubt, found the one—it’s time to curl up with your family and watch your favorite holiday movies while sipping hot chocolate and basking in the glow of your beautifully decorated treasure. 

Hallmark’s got nothing on you!

1(Child, “Over the River and Through the Wood”, 1844)