A Douglas Fir Christmas tree is a classic choice for your holiday decor. It has soft, fragrant needles, strong branches, and a beautiful shape
When you go shopping for a Douglas Fir Christmas tree, you should look for the following signs of quality and freshness:
- The tree should have a healthy, green color, with few or no brown needles.
- The tree should have a pleasant, sweet smell, and the needles should not be brittle or dry.
- The tree should have a straight and sturdy trunk, and it should fit well in your tree stand.
- The tree should have a well-balanced and symmetrical shape, and it should not have any gaps or holes in the foliage.
- The tree should have strong and well-spaced branches that can support your ornaments and lights.
- The drop test: Lift the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it. If too many needles fall off, the tree is already past its prime3.
- The branch test: Grab any branch on the tree between your thumb and forefinger, gently clamp down and pull towards yourself. If you end up with a handful of needles, the tree is dry.
- The needle test: Crush the needles in your hand and then check the scent. If the tree doesn’t smell enough, don’t buy it
How to Care for a Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
Once you bring your Douglas Fir Christmas tree home, you should follow these steps to keep it fresh and beautiful for as long as possible:
- Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk, about an inch or two from the original cut. This will help the tree absorb water better and stay fresh longer.
- Place the tree in a stand that can hold at least a gallon of water and check the water level daily. A fresh-cut Douglas Fir can drink up to a gallon of water per day.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, and direct sunlight, to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
- Avoid using candles, sparklers, or any other flammable decorations on your tree.
- Use LED lights instead of incandescent lights, as they produce less heat and are more energy-efficient.
- Dispose of your tree properly after the holiday season. You can recycle your tree by taking it to a local collection site, or you can use it for mulch, compost, or wildlife habitat.
