Find The Perfect Christmas Tree

 

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Aired:December 3, 2010 11:09 AM

(CBS)

BOSTON (CBS) — The countdown to Christmas is underway, which means the lights, the ornaments and other decorations are making their ways out of the attic.
Perhaps one of the most important centerpieces of Christmas decoration is the tree. But with so many different types out there, how do you choose the “one” and keep it fresh and healthy until December 25?
Todd Gutner talked to Mark Saidnawey of Pemberton Farms to find out.

Web Extra: A Guide To Picking The Perfect Tree

BALSAM VS. FRASER
Two most popular types are Balsam and Fraser. They both work perfectly as Christmas trees at home, but depending on what you are looking for, one may be more suitable than the other.
Balsam gives off great smell that fills the whole house, but one downside, it loses its needles quickly.
Fraser, rapidly gaining popularity in the last five years, can be more expensive, but retains its needles better. It, however, does not give off any fragrance.
Additionally, Balsam trees are greener than Fraser trees. So it ultimately comes down to, do you want a rich green tree or one with a hint of silver? And would you like an odorless tree or a tree that fills your house with scent?
KEEP IT FRESH
Once you find a tree you like, then the trick is to keep it fresh until actual Christmas day.
Mark Saidnawey said, the most important thing to remember is to make sure your tree takes in a lot of water, especially in the first few days after the purchase.
If you don’t plan on putting the tree up in the house immediately, keep it in a bucket of water outside.
Also, try store-bought preservatives, such as Prolong Christmas Tree Preservative or add Sprite or sugar into the water. These tricks will help keep your tree healthy and fresh.
POTTED TREES
Besides freshly cut trees, potted trees can also work as great Christmas trees.
If you have potted trees that you keep in your front yard year round, you could bring them inside for a couple of days around Christmas. But potted balsam trees cannot survive more than two days in warm temperature.
Most Christmas tree farms in Eastern Massachusetts offer indoor potted plants as well, and these can certainly survive inside a warm house.