Pick the Perfect Tree

Whether it’s the frosty winter air, the rich fragrance of freshly cut evergreens or the excitement of finding the “right one”, picking out a live Christmas tree is a memorable event and one that most of us at Allgood look forward to every year. Your family may have already perfected the art of choosing a tree but even if that’s true, here are some helpful reminders.Before you leave on your tree-finding mission, measure the space it will go in. There’s nothing more frustrating than coming home with a tree that’s three feet too tall or wide (or three feet too small) for the area.Once you get there, ask the retailer if they receive one shipment of trees or several throughout the season. If the trees come at different times, try to find one recently delivered as it will be the freshest. Trees that are shedding needles, have discoloration or smell musty aren’t fresh. Usually, Georgia tree lots offer three different types: Scotch pines, Douglas firs and Fraser firs. Which one you choose really depends on which one you like the best. With proper watering all of them should last throughout the Christmas season.To help pro-long a tree’s life, have someone cut about ½ inch off the base before you take it home, then place it in water as soon as possible. Keep it away from direct heat – fireplaces, dryer vents, direct sunlight, etc. Check the water level every day to ensure the base is still submerged.And lastly, after Christmas, properly dispose of your tree at a local recycling station. Many home improvement stores as well as fire stations offer tree drop-offs.