Estabrook's Garden Newsletter

Preparing Your Home for the Family Christmas Tree

Follow these tips and your tree will shine this season

Our selection of fresh and fragrant Christmas trees has arrived! Thanks to our new stand system and a wider selection of large fraser fir trees (up to 14 feet!), it's now even easier to find the perfect tree for your home.

To make setting up your tree simple, take the following considerations into mind before heading out to select your family tree:

Decide Where to Place the Tree

Avoid placing your tree near a heat source (sunny windows, radiators, heating vents and fireplaces). Try to keep the tree out of high traffic areas where it might be bumped, overturned or where someone might trip on light cords. Avoid any spot that might be dangerous, such as next to a fire in the fireplace or up on a wobbly table.

Measure Twice

Once a spot is chosen be sure to measure BOTH the ceiling height and the width of that space. Write these numbers down on a piece of paper. Also, measure your tree stand to determine the maximum diameter of the tree trunk you can use in it.

Finally, measure the height of your tree stand as well as the height of your treetop decoration. Bring these measurements with you and one of our helpful staff members will be able to help you select the right tree for your home.

Looking for a sturdier tree this season? Fraser Fir trees offer better needle retention, an attractive rounded look to the branch, and will hold up better to large, heavy ornaments than balsam. Use a scented tree preservative and you'll have one powerhouse of a Christmas tree!

Tree Stands

Choose a tree stand that is sturdy and the right size. Pay attention to the size of the tree trunk that each stand will accommodate. The taller your tree, the bigger the diameter of the trunk. If you have a tall, wide room, be sure to get a large stand for the large tree you'll select. If you'll put your tree on a table, a smaller stand will work fine. We offer a variety of tree stands at Estabrook's that should suit any need.

Choosing a Tree

We offer balsam fir (the traditional Maine Christmas tree) and also fraser fir trees this season. When selecting a tree, the needles should look shiny, green, and fresh, not dry or brown. They should not fall off when you pull on a branch. For ornaments to hang straight you'll want a tree with some space between the branches. To test a tree, take an unbreakable ornament with you and hang it on several branches to see if there is room for it to hang straight.

The DO's and DO NOT's of Fresh Wreaths

Fresh wreaths like cool winter temperatures

A fresh balsam wreath is a hallmark of the holidays, and we have a wide variety of sizes and decorative touches to choose from. In order to maximize the vitality and freshness of your wreath, Estabrook's recommends adhering to the following DO's and DO NOT's.

• DO NOT place your wreath between a glass storm door and your front door. This will cause the air around the wreath to heat up considerably and will cause browning.
• DO place your wreath in a cool spot, avoiding the hot sun. The balsam fir reacts favorably to cooler temperatures and will keep its vibrant green color and fragrance much longer.
• DO NOT hang your wreath indoors for a prolonged period or near a heat source. If inappropriately placed in your home, your wreath will dry out and become a serious fire hazard.
• DO hang your wreath outdoors. Your wreath likes cooler weather and the decorations you'll find at Estabrook's are weather-resistant.

Also remember that even fresh greens have been known to "spill" needles. If you find your wreath shedding slightly, this is completely normal. By following these simple instructions, you'll be able to enjoy your wreaths all season long!