by Kodjo Adadevoh

Created on: March 14, 2010   Last Updated: April 05, 2010

Christmas is a fun time for many families and the selection of a Christmas tree is an activity that the entire family can do together. Whether the tree is purchased through a wholesaler or retailer, the entire family can make it a fun activity. 

The location of the tree in the home will determine how much space is available for the tree and the appropriate tree size (height and width) to purchase. The location selected should be far away from heat sources, such as fire places, heat ducts, radiators or sunlight. 

Christmas tree stands should be selected not only to support the weight of the tree, but also to provide an appropriate reservoir for the water needed to feed the tree. Before the tree is placed in the holder, half an inch must be cut from the base of the trunk in a perpendicular manner to expose a fresh portion of the trunk. The water level in the reservoir must be checked on a daily basis to ensure that the water level remains above the base of the tree. 

There are many varieties of Christmas trees and some species last longer and stay fresh longer than others, depending on the part of the country and the specific climate in the area. 

Balsam Fir has a dark-green appearance, has a pleasant fragrance that last throughout the Christmas season. 

Douglas Fir needles are dark green, blue green in color and the needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance. Douglas-Fir is one of the most widely sold Christmas trees in the United States. 

Leyland Cypress trees are the most popular Christmas trees in the South-East United States. The Leyland Cypress is dark green gray in color with a slight aroma. Unlike the Pine or Fir family, the Leyland Cypress does not produce sap. People with allergies to sap should consider a purchase of the Leyland Cypress for Christmas. 

Scotch pine are sturdy and durable, lasting the entire Christmas season, their needles don’t fall even when they are dry. The color is bright green. The Scotch pine is the most common Christmas tree in the United States. 

Virginia Pine is a small to medium size tree with dense foliage. The Virginia Pine is the most popular Christmas tree in the Southern United States. 

  

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