It is time to think about choosing your Christmas tree since Christmas will be here before you know it. Choosing the right type of tree is very important, because you want to make sure that it will last until Christmas. Freshly cut Christmas trees will give your house a nice fragrance that will last through out the Christmas season unlike artificial trees.

There are several popular types of fresh cut Christmas trees available. Scotch Pines and Douglas Fir tend to dry out faster and sometimes drop their needles prematurely which can be a fire hazard. The Fraser Fir is often called “the king of Christmas trees.”

They have a nice full dense habit with strong branches. The strong branches can hold lights and ornaments without sagging allowing you to use more ornaments on your tree. Noble Fir is another great tree. It has a more open habit and also has strong branches to hold lights and ornaments.

Both Fraser Fir and Noble Fir hold their needles for a much longer time than other trees thereby greatly reducing the threat of fire. Flocked trees are also available. They are sprayed with white flocking material that gives the appearance of snow on the limbs.

This type of tree is becoming more popular each year. You can even pick out a regular tree and have it flocked specifically for you. Remember to make sure you have a strong tree stand; this will reduce the chance of your tree falling over.

Once you have picked out a tree, trim the branches up far enough for it to fit in the tree stand securely. One of the most important steps to take is to make a fresh cut at the bottom of the tree which allows the tree to soak up enough water to keep from drying out. To get longer life from your fresh cut Christmas tree make sure to keep the stand filled with water daily. Adding Prolong, a tree preservative, to the water can also increase the life of your tree.