Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1511329
Questions with a CHRISTMAS TREE VENDOR Inside the world of an evergreen expert. Whether it's big and tall or short and sweet, a Christmas tree symbolizes all there is to love about the holidays. Representing vitality and growth, these evergreens bring natural energy and wonder into a home, while delivering the nostalgia that makes the holidays feel complete. To learn more about these revered centerpieces and how to best care for them, we sat down with Samantha McMullen of DePaul's Urban Farm, a garden center, farm market, and Christmas tree retailer in Vienna, Virginia. Here's what she had to say. What varieties of Christmas trees do you sell? Which are the most popular, and why? We sell Fraser firs, noble firs, and Turkish firs. Fraser firs are typically the most popular because they're native to our area on the East Coast—and they're known for their needle retention and sturdy branches. We have a lower inventory of noble firs because they're from the West Coast, but many shoppers choose them for their rich fragrance. Also from the West Coast, Turkish firs are the rarest, but have a unique shape and long needles that people adore. When is the ideal time to buy a Christmas tree? If you're able to take good care of your tree, we suggest getting one around Thanksgiving in late November. Trees are usually cut in November, and you'll have plenty of trees to pick from by getting an early start. There are also a lot of people who have the tradition of buying a tree on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. While there may be fewer trees available, this has some perks. Prices are often cheaper, and you don't have to worry about caring for it for as long. Regardless of when you purchase your tree, just make sure you'll be home to water it regularly and give it the attention it needs. Truly, there's no bad time to buy a tree; what's important is how well you care for it, not how recently it was cut. Do you have tips for choosing the best tree? First, you'll need to measure your ceilings and doorways to get an idea of sizing. There's nothing worse than bringing a tree home only to discover that it won't fit through the door! Once you've found a tree with your preferred size and shape that looks healthy and green, gently push down on the branches to test their strength. Then, gently tug on them to see if any needles fall. A fresh tree should hold needles, even if shaken or pulled. Lastly, crush a few needles in your hand and check the scent. If it isn't strong enough, the tree may be past its prime. How can we keep our trees thriving and fresh? When you buy your tree, you should cut at least one inch off the bottom of your tree trunk ASAP so the sap seal breaks and it can absorb water. If you don't have a saw handy, most sellers are happy to do this for you. Either way, you should get your tree 1 2 3 4