Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

How to Choose the Best Live Christmas Tree

Jimmy Graham

By Jimmy Graham
Updated August 12, 2022

Real, fresh-cut trees have a distinctive, pleasant evergreen smell and feel. Picking out each year’s tree is a treasured holiday custom for many families. Live trees require some preparation and care, but for many this is a memorable and traditional part of the holiday season.

A woman in a red plaid jacket shopping for a live Christmas tree.

Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree Varieties

A Christmas tree farm.

The most popular fresh-cut Christmas trees come from the pine or fir species. These species have softer needles than spruce trees do. Choosing the right type depends on personal taste and regional availability.

Tip

Before you go shopping for any Christmas tree, measure the area where you’ll display the tree. Pay special attention to the ceiling height and the available space you have to accommodate the width of the tree. Remember to add the size of the tree stand and the tree topper into your height calculation.

Fir Trees

A close-up of Fraser fir branches and needles.

Fir trees have flat and waxy needles that are up to 1-1/2 inches long and attached directly to branches in long, dense rows. Color varies from a silvery green to dark green, and some species have touches of reddish brown on the buds. Firs have a very noticeable fragrance. Firs also have more flexible branches than pines or spruces and will shed some needles. The Fraser fir is thought to be an ideal fresh Christmas tree for families with small children or pets. Other varieties include grand, noble, balsam and Douglas.

Pine Trees

Scotch pine branches and needles.

Pine trees have long, slender needles that are 1 inch to 6 inches long and attached in clusters to branches. These trees vary in shade from blue green to dark green. Most types have strong branches for ornaments and retain their needles well. Scotch pine, Virginia pine and the eastern white pine are some of the best Christmas pine trees.

Spruce Trees

A blue spruce Christmas tree.

Spruce trees are known for their dense, cone-like shape and strong branches that allow you to hang a lot of ornaments and heavy decorations. The Colorado blue spruce is known for its silvery blue color and thin, sharp needles. Other varieties are the Norway and white spruces. It’s important to keep spruce trees well watered to help them retain their needles.

More Fresh Christmas Tree Choices

A closeup of Eastern red cedar branches.

Eastern red cedar trees are unique due to their tree shape, appearance and distinct fragrance. They have texturized needles held in feathery-looking bunches. Cypress trees, such as the Leyland cypress and Arizona cypress, are also unique choices for a live Christmas tree.

Buying and Caring for a Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree

A mother and her son putting a fresh cut Christmas tree into a stand.

Here are some tips for purchasing a tree and caring for it properly: 

  • When shopping, test the tree by giving it a slight shake. A few falling brown needles aren’t uncommon, but falling green needles mean the tree is dry.
  • Look for a full, symmetrical shape. The tree doesn’t necessarily need to be perfect, especially if you’re going to display it in a corner. Be wary of branches near the ground that you may have to remove to fit the tree into a tree stand.
  • Stand 5 to 8 feet away and check the tree from several angles. You want a tree with dense branches and good shape, color and fragrance. Check the trunk to see if it’s mostly straight. The trunk shouldn’t be visible through the branches.
  • Feel the tree. The needles should be flexible but snap when you bend them sharply. You should avoid trees with stiff needles that are losing their color. Also avoid trees with needles that you can pull off very easily.
  • Be certain your vehicle can safely transport the tree you purchase to your home. Bring rope or bungee cords to secure the load adequately. Take care to protect your vehicle. Tree branches and resin can damage the finish.
  • When you get the tree home, cut a 1/2-inch-thick disk from the base. If you’re unable to do this yourself, visit your local Lowe’s so an associate can make the cut for you. This slice is critical; when trees are cut in the field, they produce a layer of sap that seals the cut. This layer prevents water from rising up the trunk. The cut opens the vascular system for water intake. Ideally, after making the cut, place the tree in a bucket of water and let it absorb fresh water for several hours before placing it in the tree stand.
  • A dry tree is unsightly and a fire hazard. Fresh-cut trees need a constant supply of water — more than a quart a day for most species. Make sure the water level never goes below the base of the tree.
  • Once the holiday season has passed, dispose of the Christmas tree in a safe and appropriate manner. Your city probably has guidelines for disposal.

Insects on Live Christmas Trees

Since they grow outdoors, live trees are exposed to nature, which includes insects. Warm autumns may extend the lives of bugs. Insects you’ll commonly find on real Christmas trees include aphids, spider mites and praying mantises. If they happen to be there, they’ll most likely stay on the tree. Here are some things to remember.

Do:

  • Shake the tree when you buy it and again when you get it home before bringing it into the house. If you can, set it in your garage for a day or two.
  • Vacuum bugs up without using a beater bar.

Don’t:

  • Fumigate or use aerosol spray insecticide. It isn’t needed and can increase fire danger.
  • Crush bugs on your floor or furniture. Doing so many leave stains.

Want More Ideas?

Need quick and easy ideas to keep your holiday supplies in order? From wreaths to wrapping paper, we’ve got you covered. Watch our Christmas Storage Hacks video and check out our Christmas Lights Buying Guide.

Related Tags: