Tips to CYO Christmas Tree

’Tis the season to gather the family, bundle up, pile into the car, and head to a local tree farm to cut your own (CYO) Christmas tree. Let the scent of fresh pine and search for the perfect shape inspire you to bring home your dream tree.

To make the quest easier, here are tips to help you prepare, pick and preserve your tree for its starring role in your holidays.

Prepare

Before you head out, check the farm’s website or social media for hours, kinds of tree and what they provide (saws, twine, help). Measure your space — ceiling height plus tree topper — and the tree stand. Bring gloves, tarp, rope and measuring tape and clear out your car to make room. Dress warmly, with waterproof boots, for walking the fields.

And plan to go early in the season for the best selection of freshest trees. When that plan falls through, plan to have a glorious day anyway!

Pick

Pick: Decide what type of tree you want — that helps focus your search. For example, firs (Fraser and Douglas) keep needles the longest, while spruces boast strong branches for lights and ornaments, but pines fill the house with that Christmas-y scent. Tough choice! Carefully inspect all prospects. Walk around each one to check its shape on all sides, examine the trunk for straightness, and do the fresh test — tug a branch to check that needles aren’t falling off.

When you find your dream tree, cut low and close to the base for the healthiest trunk.

Preserve

First step is to saw off about half an inch from the bottom of the trunk to help it absorb water. Then immediately place it in plain water (no need for sugar, bleach, etc.). Check the water level often, as trees can “drink” a quart of water daily. When you bring your tree inside, place it away from heat and sun and continue to check the water level.

Finally, keep the holiday green by recycling your tree. There are plenty of options.

Where to Go

Local favorites include Boswell’s Tree Farm (Collegeville), Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm (Cochranville), Westlake Tree Farms (Pottstown), Wiggins Christmas Trees (Thornton) and Yeager’s Farm & Market (Phoenixville), all family-run, festive and full of holiday spirit.