Consumer Traps & Tips # 53 - Buying the Perfect Christmas Tree

For immediate release: November 30, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore, 561-712-6600 • PBC Consumer Affairs Division

Trap

Five-year-old Amy was excited about the holidays.  She darted between trees on the lot when she stopped and cried, “This is the one!”  Her parents were happy because it was getting dark, and the search for the perfect Christmas tree had finally ended. While setting the tree in the stand, Amy’s father was shocked by the number of falling needles.  The tree was already dry, and it was weeks until Christmas.

Tips

Here are some steps Amy’s father can take next year when buying a Christmas tree:  

• Plan your tree search to allow plenty of time to deal with childhood excitement and still make a thorough inspection of the tree.  Day time is better. 
• There are three main sources for live Christmas trees: a) Big box stores like Home Depot or Publix, b) charity lots for nonprofits and c) for-profit lots (which range from chains to mom and pop lots).  Big box stores normally have set tree prices, while independent lots may negotiate the price with you.     
• Check the return policy.  Some larger retailers will allow dry trees to be returned within a day or so, but in most cases once you leave with the tree it can’t be returned.
• Know ahead of time what tree height and width will fit in your home.   
• The needles should be fresh and green.  Pull on several branches all over the tree. If the needles pull off easily, the tree is too dry.  Bend the needles between your fingers.  Fresh needles will bend but not break.  Trees should not shower the ground with needles when the trunk butt is stamped on the ground.
• Have the vendor saw off at least two inches from the trunk butt to allow for more water absorption. Most experts say not to add sugar, bleach or anything else to the tree stand – but do check the water level frequently.   A dry tree can be a fire hazard.  Also, don’t place it near air vents, heaters or fire places.

For more information call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer.