Tips for Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree
Selecting a live Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition, one that brings families together and sets the stage for a festive season. To help make the process easier, I spoke with Jon Swick, Manager at Allerdice Ace Hardware in Milton and Malta, who shared his expert tips for finding lg hi the perfect tree. From choosing the right type to ensuring it stays fresh throughout the season, here’s everything you need to know to make your Christmas tree the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations.
1. Shop Early
Christmas trees are a seasonal favorite, and inventory moves quickly. Allerdice Ace Hardware locations receive one shipment of fresh, New York-grown balsam firs the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year. These trees, ranging from 6 to 8.5 feet tall, are renowned for their pleasant fragrance and classic holiday appearance. Visit early in the season to ensure the best selection—once they’re sold out, they’re gone!
2. Examine Shape and Symmetry
A tree’s shape and color are crucial factors. Jon recommends looking for a full, symmetrical cone shape with vibrant green needles. Check for gaps in the branches or bare spots by inspecting the tree from various angles, including spinning it for a 360-degree view to ensure it will look great from all sides in your home.
3. Choose a Durable Variety
Different evergreen varieties have unique qualities. Balsam firs, for instance, have flexible yet sturdy branches that can support heavy ornaments, making them ideal for families with elaborate decorations. Ensure the tree is fresh by lightly shaking it—if many needles fall off, it may be too dry and could pose a fire hazard.
4. Prioritize Hydration
A fresh-cut tree needs plenty of water to stay healthy throughout the holiday season. When trees are cut, sap forms a layer over the trunk, preventing water absorption. The staff at Allerdice Ace Hardware prepares your tree by trimming the trunk to remove this barrier, ensuring it’s ready to drink water immediately. In the first week, a tree can drink up to a gallon of water daily, so keep the reservoir full to prevent needle loss and maintain freshness throughout the holidays.
5. Simplify with Allerdice’s Services
Allerdice Ace Hardware makes the process of bringing home your tree hassle-free. After selecting your tree, they wrap it in netting for easy transport. Need it delivered? They offer convenient delivery services within a 5-mile radius of their store.
Fresh, fragrant greenery, including wreaths and kissing balls, as well as ornaments, lights, and outdoor décor, are also available at Allerdice Ace Hardware. If you prefer an artificial tree, they carry a selection of six and seven-foot trees, including flocked and pre-lit trees.
Visit Allerdice Ace Hardware
Allerdice Ace Hardware locations in Malta and Milton are your one-stop shop for holiday greenery and festive essentials.
Selecting a live Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition, one that brings families together and sets the stage for a festive season. To help make the process easier, I spoke with Jon Swick, Manager at Allerdice Ace Hardware in Milton and Malta, who shared his expert tips for finding lg hi the perfect tree. From choosing the right type to ensuring it stays fresh throughout the season, here’s everything you need to know to make your Christmas tree the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations.
1. Shop Early
Christmas trees are a seasonal favorite, and inventory moves quickly. Allerdice Ace Hardware locations receive one shipment of fresh, New York-grown balsam firs the Tuesday before Thanksgiving each year. These trees, ranging from 6 to 8.5 feet tall, are renowned for their pleasant fragrance and classic holiday appearance. Visit early in the season to ensure the best selection—once they’re sold out, they’re gone!
2. Examine Shape and Symmetry
A tree’s shape and color are crucial factors. Jon recommends looking for a full, symmetrical cone shape with vibrant green needles. Check for gaps in the branches or bare spots by inspecting the tree from various angles, including spinning it for a 360-degree view to ensure it will look great from all sides in your home.
3. Choose a Durable Variety
Different evergreen varieties have unique qualities. Balsam firs, for instance, have flexible yet sturdy branches that can support heavy ornaments, making them ideal for families with elaborate decorations. Ensure the tree is fresh by lightly shaking it—if many needles fall off, it may be too dry and could pose a fire hazard.
4. Prioritize Hydration
A fresh-cut tree needs plenty of water to stay healthy throughout the holiday season. When trees are cut, sap forms a layer over the trunk, preventing water absorption. The staff at Allerdice Ace Hardware prepares your tree by trimming the trunk to remove this barrier, ensuring it’s ready to drink water immediately. In the first week, a tree can drink up to a gallon of water daily, so keep the reservoir full to prevent needle loss and maintain freshness throughout the holidays.
5. Simplify with Allerdice’s Services
Allerdice Ace Hardware makes the process of bringing home your tree hassle-free. After selecting your tree, they wrap it in netting for easy transport. Need it delivered? They offer convenient delivery services within a 5-mile radius of their store.
Fresh, fragrant greenery, including wreaths and kissing balls, as well as ornaments, lights, and outdoor décor, are also available at Allerdice Ace Hardware. If you prefer an artificial tree, they carry a selection of six and seven-foot trees, including flocked and pre-lit trees.
Visit Allerdice Ace Hardware
Allerdice Ace Hardware locations in Malta and Milton are your one-stop shop for holiday greenery and festive essentials.
Malta – 2025 Rte 9 (North of Exit 12) 518.899.6222
Milton – 19 Trieble Ave. (Next to Hannaford) 518.885.8508