The best time to buy a Christmas tree depends on whether you want a real or artificial tree, and how long you want it to last. Real trees are best bought on the first Sunday of Advent, according to the team at Christmas Tree World, or around Thanksgiving, as they last for around four to six weeks. Artificial trees, on the other hand, are cheapest right before or after Christmas, but you can also find good deals in the sales around Thanksgiving.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Best time to buy a real Christmas tree | Right after Thanksgiving, on the first Sunday of Advent, or on 1 December |
Best time to buy an artificial Christmas tree | As early as possible when decorations become available |
Worst time to buy a real Christmas tree | Pre-Thanksgiving, or waiting too close to Christmas |
What You'll Learn
The best time to buy a real Christmas tree
However, if you're looking for the best choice of tree, it's recommended to shop on the weekend after Thanksgiving when most locations open for the season. If you're looking for a bargain, you may want to wait until closer to Christmas when retailers try to clear out their stock, although you'll have fewer trees to choose from.
Another factor to consider is the price. According to Square, a tech company that helps businesses process credit card payments, the most popular day to buy a tree is the first Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend, which means that demand is high and prices are at their highest. As the calendar creeps closer to Christmas, prices tend to go down.
Therefore, if you're looking for a good deal and don't mind a smaller selection, it may be best to wait until closer to Christmas to buy your real Christmas tree. However, if you want a tree that will last throughout the festive season and don't mind paying a higher price, the first Sunday of Advent is your best bet.
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When to Buy a Christmas Tree
According to experts, the best time to buy a real Christmas tree is right after Thanksgiving. This is when fresh trees are available, and you can expect the best choice. The first Sunday of Advent is also a good time to buy, as this will ensure your tree lasts through the festive season.
Where to Buy a Christmas Tree
If you're looking for a real Christmas tree, you can buy one from a Christmas tree farm or a retail location. If you're buying an artificial tree, you can purchase one from popular brands like Balsam Hill, Puleo, and the National Tree Company, or through platforms like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Wayfair.
How to Choose a Good Christmas Tree
When choosing a Christmas tree, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, measure the space where you plan to put the tree to ensure you get the right size. Also, consider the type of decorations you want to put on the tree, as different types of trees have varying stiffness, density, and foliage that will affect how well they hold ornaments.
When you're at the point of purchase, consult with a salesperson about the best tree for your climate and the delivery period. Check the tree for freshness by looking for pliable branches and needles that don't fall off easily. Discolored foliage, wrinkled bark, and overall brittleness are signs of an old tree.
How to Care for Your Christmas Tree
To keep your real Christmas tree fresh throughout the holiday season, make sure to water it regularly. Cut around 3cm off the trunk before putting it in water to help it absorb water better. Keep the tree away from heat sources and draughts, as these can dry it out faster. Use a tree stand to help provide your tree with enough water, and ensure the water level doesn't dip below the trunk to prevent the sap from resealing the bark.
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How to choose the best Christmas tree
When to Buy
The best time to buy a real Christmas tree is right after Thanksgiving. This is when freshly cut trees first become available, and they tend to last four to five weeks. If you buy any earlier, your tree may not survive until Christmas. However, if you wait too long, you risk a limited selection as some retailers may sell out.
Where to Buy
You can buy a real Christmas tree from a tree farm, a local home and garden centre, or online. Farms and local centres tend to sell trees that are cut from mid-November to mid-December, while online sellers offer high-quality, freshly cut trees that are stand-ready.
Species
Fir and cypress trees tend to retain their needles for four to five weeks, whereas pine and spruce trees may lose a high volume of needles within two to three weeks.
Inspecting the Tree
Before taking your tree home, give it a good shake and inspect the needles. Fresh trees will have few brown needles, and the green needles should be pliable. If the needles are dry and brittle, or fall off easily, the tree is not fresh.
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Choosing the Right Tree
Before you buy your tree, give it a good shake to see if any needles are dropping off. You want to make sure the needles are green and shiny, and the branches are pliable. The bark should not be wrinkled, and the foliage should not be discoloured.
Transporting the Tree
Once you've purchased your tree, get it into water as soon as possible. If you're not able to set it up immediately, store it in a cool, sheltered area, away from wind and sun. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water to keep it fresh.
Setting Up the Tree
Clear a space in the room where you plan to display your tree. Spread a tree removal bag on the floor to protect it from any moisture. Place your fresh-cut tree stand on top of the bag, and then bring the tree inside and put it in the stand. Tighten the stand's bolts and fill the base with water.
Watering the Tree
It is very important to keep the tree stand filled with water. If the water level drops below the base of the tree, a seal of dried sap will form over the stump, preventing the tree from absorbing water later. A tree can absorb a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day after that. The water temperature is not important, and plain tap water is best.
Location of the Tree
Keep the tree away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight. Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process and reduce water consumption.
Lights and Decorations
Use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, to reduce drying of the tree. Always inspect light sets before placing them on the tree, and replace them if they are worn. Do not overload electrical circuits, and always turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
Monitoring the Tree
Check the stand daily to ensure the water level does not go below the base of the tree. After Christmas, or if the tree becomes very dry, remove it from the house. Do not burn any part of the tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
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The best time to buy an artificial Christmas tree
If you're looking to buy an artificial Christmas tree, there are several times of the year when you can take advantage of great deals. Here are some tips to help you find the best time to buy your tree:
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is considered the start of the holiday shopping season for many. Black Friday deals offer a great opportunity to purchase your artificial Christmas tree at a discounted price. However, be prepared for crowded stores and long lines during this popular shopping event. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can opt for online shopping, with retailers like Balsam Hill offering convenient alternatives.
The Monday after Black Friday, known as Cyber Monday, is another excellent time to buy an artificial Christmas tree. What started as an online version of Black Friday has now become a week-long event, giving you more time to browse and compare prices.
Christmas in July Sales
Some retailers, like Balsam Hill, offer mid-year sales during the "Christmas in July" celebration. This sale event provides an opportunity to purchase discounted artificial Christmas trees and decorations before the holiday rush. Shopping during this period can also reduce the risk of delivery delays as the holidays approach.
Post-Christmas Clearance Sales
While it may seem early, purchasing your artificial tree right after Christmas can be a smart move. Retailers offer deep discounts on seasonal decorations to make room for new products. Shopping during post-Christmas clearance sales will give you a head start on next year's holiday planning and help you save money.
Start of the Year
The beginning of the year is an excellent time to stock up on artificial Christmas trees as retailers liquidate their leftover inventory. You can take advantage of significant discounts and be prepared for the next holiday season.
Other Special Occasions
Keep an eye out for promotions and coupons during other special occasions, such as Easter and Mother's Day. Some retailers, like Balsam Hill, offer discounts and coupons during these times, allowing you to find great deals throughout the year.
In summary, the best time to buy an artificial Christmas tree is during sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas in July, and post-Christmas clearance. Shopping during these periods will help you avoid the holiday rush, secure the best deals, and ensure your tree is delivered on time. Additionally, don't forget to check for promotions during other special occasions and at the start of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to avoid buying a Christmas tree before Thanksgiving, as there's a risk it won't survive until Christmas morning.
The best time to buy a real Christmas tree is on the first Sunday of Advent, or the first day of December. This will ensure the tree lasts throughout the festive season.
It's best to buy an artificial tree as early as possible, as soon as the Christmas décor is available. This will ensure you get exactly what you want.
To make a real Christmas tree last longer, it's important to purchase a healthy tree. Ask when the tree was cut down and choose one that was cut down recently. Fir and cypress trees tend to keep their needles for 4-5 weeks, whereas pine and spruce trees may lose most of their needles within 2-3 weeks.