A Family Tradition: Finding the Perfect Real Christmas Tree
🌲 Choosing a Real Christmas Tree: A Tradition Worth Keeping
There’s just something special about a real Christmas tree — the scent of fresh pine, the soft touch of the needles, and the satisfaction of finding the one. Shopping for a real Christmas tree has always been one of my favorite holiday traditions, and over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make the experience even better.
🎄 My Favorite Way to Choose a Real Tree
While you can find trees in parking-lot pop-ups, nurseries, and even big box stores, nothing compares to a visit to a Christmas tree farm. Those trees are freshly cut, and the whole experience feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. It’s a perfect adventure for children — wandering through rows of evergreens, choosing a family favorite, and taking a few photos to remember the day.
There’s just something about cutting your own tree and bringing it home. The tree is fresher, the needles last longer, and the experience itself becomes part of the holiday memories.
🌟 Real Christmas Tree Pros and Cons
Like most things, real Christmas trees have their advantages and drawbacks. Personally, I think the scent alone is worth it — but here’s a quick look at both sides:
Pros:
- That unmistakable fresh pine fragrance that fills your home.
- A natural, traditional look — every tree is unique.
- A renewable resource when purchased from responsible tree farms.
- The experience — picking out your own tree is half the fun!
Cons:
- Requires daily watering to stay fresh.
- Needle drop can be messy, especially as the tree dries.
- Real trees can trigger allergies for some people.
- Shorter lifespan — they typically last 3–4 weeks indoors.
Even with the upkeep, I still love a real tree for the experience alone. There’s something magical about walking through a field of evergreens, picking the perfect one, and bringing it home to decorate.
🌲 Our Tree Farm Adventure
Before there was Trendy Tree, there was Pence Christmas Tree Farm. We planted hundreds of Leyland Cypress and Carolina Sapphire trees and tended them lovingly for years. Our dream was to retire and make it a family business — with Carrie, David, and the grandchildren all helping out during the season.
But life had other plans. The Trendy Tree website business took off faster than we ever expected, and the tree farm quietly faded into the background as we focused on our growing online store. The trees, however, kept growing — row after row of them standing tall and waiting.
One cool, misty Sunday afternoon, we decided the grandkids should cut one of our trees for Christmas. We bundled everyone up and set out with a handsaw to find the prettiest one on the farm. The kids each took a few turns sawing, but it didn’t take long before they turned to my husband and said, “Pop, have you got a chainsaw?”
So, the tree came down with the help of a chainsaw and a lot of laughter. It wasn’t quite the photogenic “Hallmark moment” I had imagined — but it was ours. We never cut another one of those trees, but the memories of that day still make me smile.
🪓 Before You Head Out
A little planning makes all the difference. Measure the height and width of the space where your tree will stand before you go. (Trees always look smaller out in the open field!) Bring gloves, a tape measure, and a blanket or tarp to protect your car or truck on the drive home.
If you’re visiting a choose-and-cut farm, wear comfortable shoes, and check in advance whether customers are allowed to cut their own trees or if farm staff do the cutting. Some farms even offer extras — hot cocoa, hayrides, and visits with Santa — turning tree shopping into a full family outing.
🌿 Check for Freshness
When you find a tree you love, check for freshness before you buy:
- Bend a few needles — they should be flexible and not break easily.
- Shake the tree gently — a few falling needles are normal, but excessive loss means it’s too dry.
- Look for a bright green color and a fresh, woodsy scent.
Be aware, though, that some trees are colorized with dark green dye to make them appear fresher than they are. I learned this lesson when the first choose-and-cut tree we brought home stayed a deep, perfect green long after Christmas… even when it was lying out in the woods in early spring!
For the best results, cut a thin slice off the base of the trunk before putting your tree in water at home. This helps it absorb water and stay fresher longer. This isn’t necessary if you cut your own tree on a farm.
Caring for Your Fresh-Cut Tree
Once your tree is home, get it into water right away — don’t let the cut end dry out. Use a sturdy stand that holds plenty of water, and check the water level daily. Real trees can drink up a surprising amount, especially during the first few days.
If you notice needles drying quickly, move the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces or vents. Keep lights and cords in good shape, and always unplug them when you leave home or go to bed.
💚 A Tradition That Never Gets Old
Whether you visit a tree farm or a local lot, choosing a real Christmas tree is about more than just finding the right shape — it’s about the experience. The laughter, the scent of pine, and that moment when the tree is finally standing tall in your living room — those are the things that make Christmas feel like Christmas.
