Real Christmas trees come in a variety of shapes and sizes.If you want to achieve the even, conical shape of a typical Christmas tree, you should learn how to trim them.Then decorate the Christmas tree for the season.
Step 1: Pick out a tree with a good shape.
Pick out the best candidate for a Christmas tree.Look for one that looks full, has an even shape, and has the least dead or missing branches.If the tree is pre-cut, have someone hold it up for you so you can see the shape and quality from different angles.
Step 2: Take the height you need into account.
Measure the height of the ceiling before you put your Christmas tree there.Measure the height of the tree with a tape measure.The height of your tree stand will be added to the total height.You can factor in the height of your stand into your calculations.You can trim off some of the tree's height, but don't plan on shortening it to fit in your home.It may be difficult to remove a large portion of the tree.
Step 3: The tree's width should be considered.
You can find a tree of equal or lesser width if you measure the area you plan to put it in.The branches of a pre-cut tree that has been wrapped or stored against other trees will unfold with time and expand the width of the tree.The extra width that tree lights and decorations add will be taken into account.
Step 4: The base should be cut off.
Take the tree trunk home and trim the base.To remove at least half an inch from the end, use a handsaw or chainsaw.When you purchase a tree from a nursery or store, staff may be able to trim the trunk for you.Make sure you get the tree into the water.If you want to shorten the tree slightly to fit the height of your ceiling, cut off a larger portion of the trunk.You will need a section of the trunk clear of branches to fit into a tree stand.If you don't need to alter the height of the tree, you should cut off at least a half inch from the trunk.
Step 5: Dead or dry branches should be removed.
Remove the dead, discolored, or overly dry branches of the tree.There will be large chunks of the tree missing if you remove too many branches.Don't buy a tree that has a lot of dry or dead branches.If more than half the branch is dry, it's probably too dry.If you bend the needles in half, they will snap from a fir tree.Pruning shears, hedge clippers, and shearing knife can be used to remove branches.
Step 6: The tree needs to be trimmed.
Cut the most central, vertical branch at the top of the tree to about 10 inches.If you choose to decorate a tree with a star or angel, the top center branch should be trimmed to a sturdy length so you can use it as a support.There are other branches that seem to be competing for the center branch.
Step 7: You can shape the rest of the branches.
If you want your tree to look different, you should trim the ends of branches that stick out from the overall shape of the tree.For the classic look, you want the base of the branches to be widest with the circumference getting smaller as you go up to the top.The base of a Christmas tree should be two-thirds as wide as the height.A four-foot-wide base would be ideal for a six-footer.Try to cut as little of the branches as possible.Unless you have to, don't cut into the old growth unless it's a dark green color.
Step 8: There is a tree stand.
A tree stand can hold a gallon of water.To fit into a smaller tree stand opening, shave the bark off of the tree trunk.The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water.A tree skirt can be used to cover the tree stand and make it look more appealing.Lift the skirt to make sure the water is filled.
Step 9: You should keep the tree stand full of water.
When you fill the water trough of your tree stand, keep it full at all times.The diameter of the trunk at its base is a good indicator of how much water your tree needs.The number of inches is the same as the quarts that should be in the tree stand.If your tree doesn't get enough water after being cut, you will need to cut it off to allow it to absorb more water.Place your tree in the water as soon as possible after it is cut.It's easy to add water to your stand with a Christmas tree watering system.Adding drinks to the water in the tree stand doesn't help maintain its freshness.Always fill with clean water.
Step 10: The tree should be placed away from heat.
You can easily plug in a string of lights if you display your tree close to a wall outlet.It's best to keep it away from fireplaces and other areas of high heat.The temperature of the room that the tree is in can be lowered to help keep it from drying out.The water will be taken up and evaporate quicker in high heat.If you can't place a tree near a power outlet, try using an extension cord.You can easily turn off Christmas tree lights by using the on/off switch on the power strip, as this will act as a safety and convenience feature.
Step 11: The lights are strung up.
Pick the color, size, and length of the lights you want to drape around the tree.Measure the tree's circumference with flexible measuring tape to determine the ideal length.The tree will look better with lights in the inside of the tree, not just the outside branches.A good rule is to have a string of 100 lights on the tree.You can mix and match the lights on the tree.Try smaller traditional incandescent lights in multi-color along with a string of larger white globe lights to add variety to your tree.
Step 12: Wrap the tree.
You can drape beads, ribbon, or foil over the tree branches from top to bottom.You can make your own traditional garlands by stringing popcorn and cranberries together.A thin garland of berries, beads, or popcorn should be draped across the branches, while a thicker ribbon or foil is wrapped around the tree.The tinsel can be hung on the garlands, strings of lights, or the branches themselves.There is a string of tinsel that can be hung like a garland.
Step 13: Hang your ornaments.
Place ornaments evenly throughout the tree on top and bottom.Put your favorite ornaments in the middle of the tree where you will see them most often, whether they are sentimental or just visually pleasing.Then fill in the ornaments with smaller ones.Make sure to hang ornaments securely on the tree by pinching the wire hanger around the branch you are hanging on.If you hang ornaments close to the tree trunk, they will be more stable and supported.You can add other adornments to the tree at this point, like a star or angel tree, poinsettia flowers, or icicles and snowflakes.