Shortly after harvest is best—most trees are cut in november just before reaching stores. As a general rule, try to buy freshly-c. A tree with a 4-inch diameter stem should be displayed in a stand that h. The safest option? · when is the best time to buy a fresh - cut christmas tree ? How do the home depot associates help me find the right christmas tree? Even with proper handling and a tree variety known for good needle retention, some trees dry out quickly, she says. During the past 20 years, there has been a significant increase in the production of true fir christm. The longer you wait, the less likely your tree will dry up and drop loads of needles before christmas. Wait at least until after thanksgiving to shop for a tree. · keep your cut christmas tree fresh for up to six weeks with these expert tips on selecting, cutting, watering, and caring for your tree. If its a pre- cut tree , sap can seal off the bottom of the tree and prevent it from taking up water in the stand, so make a fresh cut straight across the trunk, removing about a 1/4-inch disk from the bottom. Shopping early in the season ensures the widest selection of fresh, healthy trees. For all of you eager celebrators, that means you couldget away with displaying your tree from november 21st to january 1st—but only if you choose a freshly harvested, long-lasting variety that (might) go the distance. · the term “live” christmas tree refers to a fresh - cut evergreen brought indoors for the holiday season. If it has been longer than that since the tree was cut, make a new cut about one inch from the base with a saw before placing it in your tree stand. With that said, it can be challenging to determine exactly when your tree was cut down when you start shopping, especially if youre buying from a distributor instead of a local farm. The life span of this tree once it is cut is finite, typically lasting only a few weeks. Your christmas tree farmer wants your tree to last just as much as you do, says carrie mcclain, a grower at hart-t-tree farms. The average evergreen lasts roughly four to six weeks from its harvest date (which is not always the same as its purchase date), with some exceptions, says gary a. See full list on marthastewart. com If you know that the tree was well cared for and its a variety th. · many of us like to put up christmas decorations on november 1, but thats too early to buy a real christmas tree. As a rule, a tree can use up to 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter, chastagner says. If you want to see your christmas tree through its full four- to -six-week lifespan, make sure to place the freshly- cut base in a stand that can hold plenty of water, say our experts. · experts recommend making a fresh cut 6 hours or less before putting the tree in water. · the absolute freshest tree is one you buy locally and cut down yourself, ideally at one of the best christmas tree farms in your area. Choosing a tree too early means it may dry out and become a fire hazard before the holiday arrives. Most evergreens on the four-week timeline shouldnt be put up until early december if you hope to keep them throu. Chastagner, ph. d. , a professor of plant pathology at washington state university. Timing your purchase is the single most important factor in maximizing the tree ’s freshness. Even if you follow the four- to -six-week rule of thumb and get your tree up at the perfect time, you still may need to say goodbye before youre ready, mcclain says.