How to choose the perfect Christmas tree

How to choose a natural tree

The traditional Christmas tree is considered to be an ordinary spruce. But before the holidays on the markets you will find more and pine and fir.

Many prefer it to a pine tree in the first place because of low prices. In pine, unlike spruce, thin and long needles. So it looks more fluffy and not pricked. Pine, typically is showered slower than spruce and pine has a strong flavor that is accompanied by the release of an active adhesive resin. It can deliver some inconvenience.

The most expensive Christmas tree is considered fir. She has a rather long and lush pine needles rich green color, which is also hardly pricked. Therefore, to decorate the tree - a pleasure. And yet fir live at home longer than spruce and pine. She almost did not fall off.

But even this seemingly perfect New Year's tree has a drawback. At the very faint scent of fir needles than the other. So do not forget to buy the flavor.

Despite some differences, all these trees are called Christmas trees Christmas. And the principles of their choice do not differ.

1. Buy time

In this regard, people are divided into two camps. Some believe that a live tree should be placed closer to the holiday, not before December 27. Otherwise, the tree is simply not worthy of the Old New Year.

Others are sure to procrastinate is not necessary. The fact that the trees are cut down about a month before the New Year. And then they are stored in the cold, without water and any make-up. Therefore, it is better to take your home spruce.

And here and there there is a truth, but we still recommend taking care of buying the Christmas tree in advance. The closer the holiday, the less choice. And: Plan Christmas tree shopping in the morning. You will need a good natural light.

2. use a tape measure

Hike up to the market, measure the space you can give under the Christmas tree. Record parameters and take a roulette. Hope that you can define the dimensions on the eye, it is not necessary. Too small tree can be lost among the objects of the interior, and too much you are rested at the ceiling or crown would just look awkward and out of place.

3. Find your nearest Christmas tree market

Christmas tree market - affordable and at the same time, it is a safe place. In big cities, hundreds of points are opened before the holidays. Markets are beginning to work no later than 20 December and closes in a few hours to midnight. Therefore, you will surely be time to walk through the rows.

The nearest retail outlet is best to choose because the safest thing would be to bring wood to the apartment on their own, without using vehicles.

You can take a risk and take advantage of online services. For example, the site sadovod.org You can see a detailed description of the Christmas tree, photos and video review, and arrange delivery by courier or pickup.

4. Pay attention to the barrel

So, you took measurements and were on the Christmas tree market. You are surrounded by dozens of trees. The first thing you should pay attention - the trunk. It should not be too thin. For an average spruce, pine or fir height of 1.5-2 m is considered the minimum diameter of 6 cm.

On the bark should not be a mold, dark spots. But the presence of the resin, on the contrary, a good sign. This is an indicator of quality and tree health.

5. smell tree

Healthy tree should have a pronounced aroma of pine needles. If you are in the market we have become accustomed to the smell and do not feel it, then take a few needles and mash them in their hands. If the odor is not felt, and in this case, it is better to pass such a tree.

6. Note the color

Deep green, bluish tinge - signs of quality wood. But yellow and orange indicate that the tree is old and dehydrated. This is unlikely to not osypletsya before the Christmas holidays.

7. stroke the needles

Move your hand in the twig. If the needles are not left in your fingers, it's a good sign. And yes, you should not hurt. The needles of a healthy tree is soft and elastic.

8. bend branch

The strength of the branches are not as important as the freshness of the tree. Weak simply not withstand the severity of toys and sank under their weight.

Do not be afraid of oblique views of vendors, take one branch and bend it a little. As the needle, it should be flexible. If broken, failed the test.

Also, special attention should be paid to the lower branches, they should be directed upwards.

And a few more tips

1. Be careful when transporting. Immediately after buying the Christmas tree tie ropes, cover it with a cloth or bag and take it home. If the machine does not, then a small trunk or back seat does not fit here. It is better to carry the tree on the car roof.
2. In no case do not store the tree from the street directly into a warm room. Such temperature drop is fatal. It is better to briefly leave the tree at the entrance.
3. Bring in the tree an apartment you need to forward the crown. This is not a national sign, just so you do not break anything.
4. Do not put a live spruce to a radiator, fireplace, and indeed to any heat source. It is dry up the tree, and the needle will fall faster than you expected.
5. Take care of the tree. Place it in a bucket of water or the ground and spray the crown to the needles for as long as possible to remain fresh and fragrant.

How to choose an artificial tree

In this embodiment, weight advantages. Firstly, an artificial Christmas tree with the right approach will serve you for many years. It is much more economical than the annual purchase of a living tree. Secondly, your conscience will be clean, because that way you do not harm the environment. And most importantly: a needle in a plastic tree does not fall off!

1. Require certificates

Artificial tree can be toxic. This is not only a constant smell of plastic in the house, but also harm the health of family members. So be sure to demand a paper from the seller, which confirms the quality of the materials used. This document is usually called a certificate of conformity. You can also ask for a fire safety certificate.

2. Pay attention to the material

Most often, artificial Christmas trees made of PVC, lines, soft plastic or fiber. The price of the product will vary depending on the material. Thus, the most budget option - fir PVC film. In general, such a good product mimics the look of a living tree. The main thing - carefully fold the tree after purchase, and try not to crush it, since it is easily deformed and difficult amenable to recovery.

Fishing lines will cost a bit more expensive. But the tree of this material looks impressive and festive due to their furry branches. But the similarity with natural wood and do not wait.

Soft plastic - more expensive than monofilament and PVC film. But he has all the above mentioned advantages. This artificial fir is similar in appearance live. And at the same time it is quite fluffy.

Fiber optic Christmas tree connects to the network and glows like a garland. She was not even sure dress up, It is in itself creating a festive atmosphere. Tree safe for apartments, since it works under the minimum voltage - 12 V. Spruce is such expensive than other artificial trees.

3. consider the product

Look carefully at the tree in good light. It should not be smudges of glue irregularities. Stroke product "against the grain" and podorgayte for needles. They must not break off at the first touch. A more high-quality artificial tree really should not smell like plastic.

What to buy

• Tree "Valery", 1.3 m, 4 120 rubles →
• Tree "Sophia white", 1.2 m, 1810 rubles →
• Tree "Alaska" 1.8M, 4980 →
• Tree "Astra", 1.5 m, 4 340 rubles →
• Tree "Stefani," 1.5 m, 9250 rubles →
• Tree "France" with decorative ornaments, 1.83 m and 16 999 rubles →
• Tree "Franklin", 1, 52 m, 11 599 rubles →
• Mini tree in a plastic pot, 0.45 m, 1599 rubles →
• Spruce "King-Tree Suite", 1.8 m, 3 999 rubles →
• Spruce "King-Tree Suite", 2.1 m, 4999 rubles →
• Spruce "King-Tree Suite", 1 meter, 899 rubles →
• Tree "Sophia golden", 0.9 m, 1100 rubles →
• Small tree in wicker bag, 0.3 m, 370 rubles →
• Tree "Sofia", needles with white tips, 0.6 m, 849 rubles →
• Spruce, "Christmas", 0.3 m, 599 rubles →

Buyer's checklist

So, the correct live fir or pine should meet the following criteria:

1. Pronounced smell of pine needles.
2. The trunk is at least 6 cm in diameter without mildew and stains.
3. The deep green color of crowns, possible shade of blue.
4. The needles do not fall off.
5. Twigs flexible and durable.
6. Tree size is right for your apartment.

As for the artificial Christmas tree, the first thing you should pay attention to the availability of certificates of compliance and fire safety and the quality of the material from which made the tree.