How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree for Your Home
The "Perfect Tree" looks different for every family. For one household it is a tall, full spruce that fills the front window. For another it is a slim fir that fits beside the couch. A little preparation before you arrive makes it much easier to pick a tree you will love for the whole season.
Use this guide to match the right tree to your space, your style, and your budget, whether you plan to cut your own or choose from our pre-cut trees.
Start With Your Space
Measure Your Ceiling Height
Measure from the floor to the ceiling in the spot where the tree will stand. Then subtract about a foot for the tree stand and your topper. As a rule of thumb, a room with 8-foot ceilings works well with a tree of roughly 6 to 7 feet.
Measure Width and Think About Placement
Trees are wider at the base than most people expect. Check how much floor space you can spare, and keep the tree away from fireplaces, heat vents, and busy walkways. Decide in advance whether the tree will show on all sides or sit with its back to a wall.
Pick the Right Tree Type
Canaan Fir
Canaan fir has soft needles, a pleasant fragrance, and a classic shape. It is a great all-around choice for families who want a traditional look.
Colorado Blue Spruce
Colorado blue spruce has a bluish-silver look and sturdy branches that can support heavier ornaments. Its needles are stiffer, so it suits homes where the tree will be admired more than touched.
See both options in our Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees and Pre-Cut Christmas Trees.
How to Check That a Tree Is Fresh
The Needle Test
Gently bend a few needles. On a fresh tree they should be flexible and springy, not brittle or dry. Run a branch lightly through your hand and notice if lots of needles fall off.
Look and Feel
A healthy tree has rich color and a pleasant evergreen smell. Cut-your-own trees are the freshest choice because you pick the tree while it is still growing.
Look at Shape, Branches, and Trunk
Branch Spacing
If you plan to hang many ornaments, look for branches with some space between them. Fuller trees look dense and classic, while open branching shows off special ornaments.
A Straight Trunk
A straight trunk makes the tree sit evenly in a stand. Check the base to make sure there is enough clear trunk to fit your stand.
Call Buchanan Evergreen Farm for Help Finding Your Tree
Choosing a tree is easier with a little guidance. At Buchanan Evergreen Farm, our friendly staff can help with all your needs, whether you cut your own or choose from the barn. Call 724-508-7121 to plan your visit, then come see our live and artificial wreaths to match your tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tree should I buy for an 8-foot ceiling?
A tree around 6 to 7 feet usually leaves enough room for the stand and a topper.
How do I know if a tree is fresh?
Flexible needles, rich color, and a fresh evergreen smell are good signs. Brittle needles that drop easily are not.
Is a cut-your-own tree fresher than a pre-cut tree?
A tree you cut yourself is cut right as you take it. Our pre-cut trees are hand-cut daily, so both options are fresh.
Can the farm staff help me choose?
Yes. Our team can help you with sizes, varieties, and loading.
The perfect tree is the one that fits your space and makes your family smile. Measure first, check for freshness, and take your time. Visit Buchanan Evergreen Farm or call 724-508-7121 to find your "Perfect Tree."a
