Garden Advice

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Real Christmas Tree?

Fantastic Team
Published: Oct 12/2020
Last update: Nov 07/2025
6min read
Views: 489

Every family’s holiday traditions differ, naturally, and one of the debates people can’t seem to reach an agreement on is when to buy a real Christmas tree. While there isn’t a simple answer to this question, in this post, we will do our best to explain the different circumstances and help you decide when the right time is for you.

So, if you:

Are asking yourself how early can you buy a live Christmas tree;
Are wondering how long will a real Christmas tree last;
Want to know how to keep a real Christmas tree alive,

Then read on, because this post is just for you!

When to buy a real Christmas tree?

Deciding when to buy a real Christmas tree really comes down to how early you like to get into the festive spirit and how long you want your tree to look its best.

If you love having your decorations up right at the start of the season, late November or the first week of December is a great time to pick your tree.

Many people wait until the second week of December for a balance between freshness and choice. And if you want your tree to stay looking perfect through Christmas and into the New Year, choosing one in the third week can work well – though the selection may be a bit more limited by then.

Waiting until the very last minute to buy a Christmas tree will most likely mean that all the good trees are sold out, so don’t put it off for too long. However, if you install your tree too early, chances are that it will look pretty sad by Christmas day. So the key is understanding your tree and striking that perfect balance between keeping it looking great and buying it early enough to be able to get a fresh one.

When to buy, depending on the type of tree?

If you decide to go for a Nordmann Fir tree, you can buy it as early as mid to late November. This type of Christmas tree is known for its longevity and excellent needle retention, meaning it will still look fresh come Christmas (as long as you provide proper care, of course).

For Norway Spruce trees, it is recommended to wait until December, as they won’t last as long as some other varieties. However, they are the perfect choice for people who want a more traditional Christmas tree look.

When it comes to potted trees, it’s best to wait to bring them inside until about a week or two before Christmas. This is because potted Christmas trees only last about 12 days indoors. Of course, you can buy it earlier and keep it outside in a sheltered spot until it’s time to bring it in.

How long does a live Christmas tree last?

Again, how long a Christmas tree will last depends on its type, as well as how well you look after it. Most cut trees will last around 4-6 weeks when adequately taken care of. For example, given the right conditions, a Nordmann Fir can last up to 5 weeks.

To keep your real Christmas tree looking fresh for as long as possible, you need to provide proper care. Which brings us to our tips on…

What to do when you buy a real Christmas tree?

As we mentioned previously, proper real Christmas tree care can keep it looking great longer. So, we offer you some essential tips on how to care for your festive tree.

Provide enough water.
You’ll be surprised how much water a cut Christmas tree can drink. So, make sure you top up its water daily, before the liquid in the stand or container drops below the trunk base. it’s also important to keep the water fresh and the water reservoir clean to avoid bacteria growth and mould smell. Cutting about 1 inch off the bottom before you install it will also help the tree absorb more water.
Avoid heat.
Keep your Christmas tree away from heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces, as heat can dry it out and make the needles fall off sooner. Not to mention that it can be a fire hazard, too. Oh, and don’t forget to turn off the tree lights before you go to bed.
Check on your tree regularly.
Keep an eye on your tree even after it’s been installed and decorated, to make sure it remains healthy. A nice wood smell and glossy green needles are usually good signs, but it doesn’t hurt to do a quick test, too. Run your hand along the branches gently. If no needles or just a few fall out then everything should be fine.

When do real Christmas trees go on sale?

Real Christmas trees typically go on sale from late November, though you can pre-order yours in early November to ensure you get the perfect tree. Fantastic Services can take care of all your needs, offering you a live Christmas tree delivery and installation service.

With various sizes of the beautiful Nordmann Fir to choose from and the newly introduced pot-grown Norway Spruce trees, we surely have the right tree for every household. So, don’t hesitate to contact us and arrange your service to make Christmas that much more enjoyable.

Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays? We can handle the disposal, too! Just give us a call and arrange the pick-up when you’re ready to let your tree go.

Need a Christmas tree?

Get a real one this year without none of the hassle!

Takeaways

When to buy a real Christmas tree depends on the type of tree, when you want to put it up and how long you want to keep it.
Generally, we recommend that you buy a real Christmas tree at the start of December.
You can buy a Nordmann Fir tree as early as mid or late November.
How long a real Christmas tree lasts depends on the type of tree and the care you provide.
With proper maintenance, your tree can last from 4 to 6 weeks.
Keep your tree well-watered and away from heat sources to keep it fresh longer.

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Image source: Shutterstock / Velimir Zeland