How to Pick a Christmas Tree; Where Near Granby to Cut Your Own

Written by Maridel Reyes

Now that Thanksgiving is almost here, it’s time to focus on the next big holiday. And what better way to celebrate the season than with the most glorious Christmas tree ever?

Delight your family and impress guests this holiday season with our expert tips for how to find the perfect Christmas tree—and how to keep it healthy all season.

How to pick the perfect tree

1. Before you go tree shopping, measure the height of the ceiling in the room where you plan to put the tree. Buy a tree that is at least one foot shorter than the ceiling height. Also measure the opening of your tree stand and make sure the base of your chosen tree will fit.

2. While tree shopping, run your fingers along the needles and give the tree a shake. If the tree is fresh, the needles should be pliable and very few should fall off.

3. Make sure the base of the tree is straight and at least six inches long, so it will fit easily into the tree stand.

4. These five Christmas-tree varieties have the best shape, lush branches, rich color and superior needle retention: balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, noble fir and Scotch pine.

How to keep your tree healthy

1. When you buy your tree, have an inch cut off the base to make it easier for the tree to take in water. (Be sure the cut is straight so the tree will stand up properly.)

2. Use a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water.

3. Keep your tree well watered. Water prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and maintains the fragrance. Trees may use several quarts a day, so check the water level in the stand every few hours.

4. Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree or the cut end may seal over, preventing further water intake.

5. Don’t add anything to the water. Though some people swear that throwing in such extras as aspirin, soda water, bleach, salt, sugar, or corn syrup keeps trees fresher longer, the experts say plain water, and plenty of it, is best.

Cut-Your-Own Xmas Tree Farms in Connecticut

The Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association has these members in Hartford and Litchfield counties (for more information on a farm, follow the link to that farm’s Web page CCTGA website):

HARTFORD COUNTY

Burlington
Murdock’s Trees

Canton
Barbourtown Tree Farm

East Windsor
Old Orchard Farm
Red Hill Christmas Tree Farm

Kensington
DeMaria Family Farm

Southington
Karabin Farms

South Glastonbury
Rose’s Berry Farm

South Windsor
Dzen Tree Farm, Inc
Dzen’s Christmas Trees

Windsor
Birchwood Farms

LITCHFIELD COUNTY

Barkhamsted
Homegrown Farms

Litchfield
Bees, Fleas, & Trees
Meadowview Tree Farm LLC
Endord Forest

Middlebury
Busy Acres Tree Farm

New Hartford
Holiday Farm Christmas Trees

New Milford
Windswept Tree Farm

Plymouth
Towill’s Christmas Tree Farm

Thomaston
Nibbling Brook Farm
Spruce Hill Farm

Warren
Angevine Farm LLC & Gift Christmas Barn
Willow Bank Farm

Woodbury
Lewis Christmas Tree Farm

TELL US: What are your tips for picking the best tree and keeping it healthy throughout the holiday season? And where do you find the best Christmas trees around here?

Editor’s note: Part of this article, by Maridel Reyes, was previously published by Somerville, MA Patch and other Patch websites last year. The photo is a Patch file photo.