$88 for a Christmas tree? 5 methods to economize in your vacation tree.

Jennifer Greene, government director of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, advised MarketWatch that tree pricing is mostly up by 10% this 12 months, which might imply that $80 tree now runs $88 — or much more in pricier markets like New York City. Inflation and rising labor prices are a few of the key causes for the bump, say trade professionals.

So in case you’re seeking to get extra bough in your buck this 12 months, MarketWatch is right here to assist. We consulted a wide range of consultants from Christmas tree commerce teams to get some suggestions to select the right tree this vacation season — whereas nonetheless saving just a little inexperienced.

Sourcing your tree is essential

There’s no scarcity of parents promoting timber. Options vary from unbiased tree heaps to backyard facilities, plus there are additionally tree-sale drives by native non-profit teams. And you’ll be able to at all times go to a tree farm and reduce down your personal tree — and even decide to purchase a tree on-line and have it delivered to the doorstep. All that stated, trade professionals observe the very best pricing is usually discovered at big-box shops, similar to Home Depot
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and Lowe’s
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— clearly, these retailers are all about quantity, to allow them to afford to decrease costs. Still, the same old recommendation to buy round applies — you by no means know the place you would possibly rating a deal.

But on the similar time, it’s not nearly pricing: Quality counts, as nicely. Some smaller retailers might need a greater grade of timber, consultants observe. And no matter the place you purchase, it’s price asking when the timber arrived — you need a tree that’s been reduce down just lately and hasn’t had time to dry out, which may ultimately end in needle loss. And give your tree the “needle test” — gently run your hand over a department, or have the tree picked up by the trunk and evenly bounce it on the bottom, to see what number of needles come off. A contemporary tree ought to lose only some; a dry tree might be brittle and shed so much. Also, you ideally need the vendor to maintain its timber saved in a shadier space — numerous publicity to daylight may also dry out a tree.

The backside line, says Mac Harman, an officer with the American Christmas Tree Association: “If you save $10 and all the needles fall off by December 15, did you really save?”

Know your firs and your pines

Not all Christmas timber are equal — and the prized varieties like shapely Frasiers and aromatic balsam firs can value extra. In fundamental phrases, firs and spruces might be costlier than pine and different timber, explains Jill Sidebottom, spokeswoman for the National Christmas Tree Association. So in case you’re wanting to economize, think about the pines. (You’ll be overlaying the tree with lights and decorations anyway — extra on that under.) It’s additionally price noting that the Douglas fir, a well-liked selection, is technically not a real fir.

Of course, sizing additionally elements into pricing — the taller the tree, the upper the price, with tree sellers usually charging by the foot. So cutting down the scale of your tree this 12 months may additionally avoid wasting money. Speaking of which: Make certain you measure the house the place you intend to place the Christmas tree, so you buy one which’s an acceptable measurement (and don’t overlook to issue your tree stand and tree topper into the sizing equation).

Play the ready sport

Here’s one time when it pays to attend. If you place off shopping for a tree till nearer to Christmas, there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll discover a tree that’s been discounted, since sellers might be desperate to unload their inventory earlier than the vacation. But it’s additionally a little bit of a dangerous guess, consultants warn, because the tree service provider may find yourself being out of inventory — or they could not have as nice a number of timber left. (In some years, there have been tree shortages, however trade professionals say that’s much less of a problem in 2023.)

Buy the “Charlie Brown tree” — and haggle

Looks aren’t every thing. Remember the scraggly tree in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” that was remodeled into a vacation marvel? It’s an method you’ll be able to embrace, with the concept some retailers could be prepared to decrease the worth for a less-than-desirable wanting tree. And professionals say you’ll be able to certainly discover methods to make that tree look nice by filling in naked patches with lights, ornaments and garland, or just positioning the tree in order that any tough spots face a wall (and thus are out of sight).  

Make your tree funding final

You can spend oodles on the tree of your desires, however it received’t imply a factor if it doesn’t maintain up via Christmas. The key to conserving a Christmas tree wholesome is water — and loads of it. Jennifer Greene with the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association says that the primary few days the tree is in your house are important when it comes to hydration. “It’s going to take up a lot of water,” she says. Make certain your tree stand can maintain not less than a gallon of water. And it’s additionally greatest for the tree’s well being if it’s not uncovered to an excessive amount of daylight, and is stored in an space that’s not too heat. So maintain that in thoughts earlier than placing up your tree in a south-facing window, or close to a radiator or different warmth supply that would not solely dry it out, but in addition trigger a fireplace hazard.