When selecting your fresh cut tree, gently stroke the branches or pick up the tree a few inches and bounce the cut end on the ground. Few needles should fall if the tree is fresh and has been properly cared for. Make sure and get the right size tree so you don’t have to do a lot of pruning. Measure the height of your ceilings and the width of the space you plan to display your tree in. Remember that a tree doesn’t need to be perfectly even if displayed in a corner.

Once you bring the tree home, cut another inch off of the base before setting the tree in it’s water stand. This will help the tree take up water more easily. Immediately fill the stand with water after setting up. Make sure and check the stand’s basin daily and add water as needed. Display your tree away from heat sources such as heater vents, fireplaces, stereos and tv sets which can promote pre-mature drying. Try to position your tree in a north facing window, and away from direct afternoon sunlight if you can. Using a tree preservative in your freshly cut tree's water can help protect the tree from indoor and outdoor heat damage.

Above all else, make sure you only use Christmas lights with a UL seal of approval. Inspect your lights each year for excessive wear such as frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking before putting them up. Never use candles near a tree. Remember to turn lights off before going to bed or when unattended. Finally make sure to use non-flammable decorations on your tree. Homemade paper ornaments are cute, but hang them somewhere else in the house for all to see.

For convenience, Nicholson-Hardie can deliver your Christmas trees to your door; pre-booked time slots for delivery are available. Call our Buffview garden center at 214-357-4674 for details.

From all of us at Nicholson-Hardie, have a safe and Merry Christmas!