How to choose a live or artificial Christmas tree for the New Year
Choosing between live and artificial spruce is always a compromise between traditional atmosphere and practicality. A living tree gives a unique coniferous aroma, but it is short-lived and requires special care. An artificial Christmas tree does not crumble and lasts for years, but is devoid of natural charm. Izvestia tells us how to make an informed choice and what to look for when buying a live or artificial spruce.
Which Christmas tree to choose
Since there is no ideal option for everyone, it is necessary to take into account the priorities of a particular family, the layout of the apartment, lifestyle, health status, the presence of small children and pets.
Many people believe that it is a live spruce or fir tree that creates that magical aura in the house that an artificial analogue cannot convey, evoking associations with childhood and winter holidays. However, this option requires certain costs, efforts and time. In addition, a century of live spruce in a warm apartment is not long — from two to four weeks. After that, it is sent for recycling.
Artificial spruce is a long—term investment. Modern models, especially in the premium segment, have a high degree of reliability and realism. They do not crumble, do not require watering, they do not need to be taken out after the holidays.
From the point of view of convenience and economy, an artificial Christmas tree is a more advantageous option in the long run. Especially for people with allergies to needles, resins and essential oils, as well as for families with pets and children, as fallen needles can pose a serious threat to them.
What to consider when choosing a live spruce
If the choice has fallen in favor of a living tree, then the first thing to do is to evaluate its freshness. A felled spruce or fir begins to lose moisture quickly in the heat, which leads to shedding of needles and loss of presentable appearance. To prolong the freshness of the spruce, it is necessary to pay attention to the following details.
The type of tree. Ordinary spruce often smells strongly and crumbles quickly. The Nordman fir (the so-called Danish spruce) and the Fraser fir stand longer. They are more expensive, but they meet the expectations of customers.
The quality of the trunk and the cut. The end of the trunk should be light, moist to the touch, with drops of resin. A dark, dry section with cracks indicates that the tree was cut down a long time ago and it has already begun to dry. The diameter of the trunk is also important: the thicker it is, the longer the spruce will be able to feed on moisture from an external source.
Elasticity of branches. A fresh, elastic branch bends easily and returns to its original position. In addition, it does not crack or break. If you shake a tree or tap lightly on the ground, many needles should not fall off it.
The color and aroma of the needles. A fresh tree has rich green needles without yellow or brown spots. If you rub a few needles with your fingers, they should exude a strong coniferous odor and leave a light oily trail on the skin. The absence of fragrance is an alarming signal.
How to choose an artificial Christmas tree
When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, the key parameters are the quality of materials, reliability and safety of the structure. A good model can last 10-15 years or more, so you should approach the purchase responsibly. Below we tell you what needs to be checked first.
Availability of a certificate of compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. The tree should not emit a pungent chemical odor, which in a warm room can provoke allergies, headaches and general malaise.
Needle material. There are two main types of needles — cut PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tapes attached to a wire base, and molded polyethylene (PE). The first ones look magnificent, but less like the real ones. The second option is more modern. On such a tree, each needle repeats the shape and texture of natural needles, making it look natural.
The quality of the attachment. You can check it by slightly tugging on the branch, as it should fit snugly in the fastener. You should also hold your hand against the "growth" of the needles. High-quality needles should not remain in the palm of your hand, otherwise it is better to refuse the purchase. Pay attention to the frame: metal is stronger and more durable than plastic.
Construction. Christmas trees can be collapsible into sections (the most popular option) or with separate branches that are inserted directly into the trunk. It is important to check how easily and securely the parts are connected. It is better to choose a metal frame — it is much stronger and more durable than a plastic one.
Where and how to place a Christmas tree
After buying a Christmas tree, the question arises — where to place it. The correct location of the tree not only creates an aesthetic composition, but also prolongs its life, especially when it comes to a live Christmas tree.
For a live Christmas tree, it is critically important to stay as far away from heat sources as possible: batteries, fireplaces and heaters. High temperature and dry air greatly accelerate the loss of moisture and the fall of needles. Ideally, place the tree in the coolest corner of the room and be sure to use a water tank, adding water regularly, with the addition of aspirin or nutrient solution.
An artificial Christmas tree should also not be placed close to radiators or under direct sunlight — this can lead to fading of materials. When installing, it is important to ensure the stability of the tree, especially if there are children or animals in the house. You can fix the Christmas tree using special or handy fasteners and counterweights, including installing the spruce in a bucket of sand.
Earlier, Izvestia told how to choose a New Year's garland.
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