Choosing a Fresh Pine Tree for the Holidays

There’s something about the fresh scent of pine around the holidays that signals Christmastime is nearing. Do you have a favorite type of pine? The most common types of pines seen on a Texas Christmas tree farm includes:

Carolina Sapphire: This cultivar of Arizona cypress’s most appealing characteristic is a beautiful blue color and an excellent aroma.

Eastern Red Cedar: This traditional choice most resembles the tree Southerners remember from their childhood. This cedar has an outstanding aroma, dense needle coverage, a natural “Christmas tree” shape, and an amazing green color.

Leyland Cypress: If someone in your household is sensitive to tree pollen, this is the tree to get. The Leyland Cypress is a hybrid of an Alaskan-Cedar and a Monterey Cypress—making it a pine with no pollen. This popular variety features short needles and is densely covered. When watered properly, this tree will outlast other varieties and shed few, if any, needles.

Virginia Pine: This short-needled pine has a pleasant scent, dense foliage, and strong branches.

Afghan Pine: With an appearance similar to the Virginia Pine, this pine’s fragrance is mild with characteristic sturdy branches being spread farther apart to give an open, airy appearance.

Fresh-Cut Pine Trees

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm, 7632 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, TX

Decide if you’d like to cut your own tree or choose one of the many pre-cut fir or spruce originally grown up north. No worries, if you don’t have a hand saw or measuring stick. These tools are provided to help you choose the right tree for your home. Then hop on the wagon and enjoy the short ride to the trees. Be sure to check out the fresh pine wreaths and garlands to complete your greenery decorations.

Holiday Acres, 8919 Mustang Bayou Road, Manvel, TX

You’ll find Holiday Acres open for tree cutting on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. They are closed for tree cutting on Sundays. Sundays are reserved by area photographers for photo sessions. A hand saw and everything you need for choosing your fresh tree is provided.  

The Christmas Tree Lot at Moon Valley Nurseries – Katy, 10910 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX

Moon Valley Nurseries carries all the major varieties like Noble Firs, Fraser Firs, Douglas Firs, and more in sizes that range from 3 feet to 15 feet. The super fresh pre-cut trees are delivered within 48 hours from their tree farms to the Christmas tree lot to ensure you’re getting the freshest trees.

Madison Gardens Nursery, 7644 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, TX

The nursery carries a wide selection of pre-cut tree sizes and varieties plus offers flocked trees. If you’re craving a white tree to compliment your holiday decorations, they have it covered.

Choose Your Tree Carefully

These handy tips will apply at any tree farm:

• Choose your tree carefully. Once you’ve cut the tree, you purchase it.
• Look for a fresh tree with strong needles. If you tap the tree and see many needles fall to the ground, this tree may not survive several weeks in water in your home.
• Be alert for any obvious decay or sickness on the tree. The tree should not smell musty or have any kinds of spots.
• Consider the height and width. Will the tree you’ve chosen fit inside your home?
• Cut the tree as close to the ground as possible. This will ensure there is enough space for the tree stand and a fresh cut once you arrive home.
• Avoid cutting off any bottom limbs which could ruin the shape of your tree.

Keeping It Fresh

Once you get your fresh tree home it’s essential to give it care to ensure your tree looks it’s best throughout the whole holiday season. Follow my hints:

• Trim approximately 1-inch off the trunk and keep enough water in your tree stand at all times.
• Place your tree in a location away from the fireplace, direct light, or heating vents to avoid prematurely drying out the tree.
• Use the right stand. A larger stand will give a tree more stability if you have curious pets or children.
• Regularly check the water level 2-3 times a day. A fresh tree can easily drink up to a gallon of water a day. Avoid allowing the water to fall below the bottom of the trunk. If this happens the tree’s sap can seal across the trunk sealing off water when more is added later.
• Choose the right lights. Energy-efficient lights give off minimum heat which helps to prevent premature drying. Remember to turn off the tree lights before retiring to bed or leaving the house.

You can’t go wrong when you’ve added a fresh tree to your home this holiday season. The scent of pine is the start to making many merry memories. If I can help you find the perfect home to create memory, please reach out. It’s my pleasure to serve you and your family this holiday and throughout the year.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.