Camilla Jessen
How to choose a fresh Christmas tree, according to a farmer.
As the holidays approach, a Christmas tree farmer is offering expert advice to help shoppers pick the freshest, longest-lasting real tree.
For five years, Justus Bischoff has spent July through December working on a tree farm, cutting and tagging thousands of evergreens bound for homes across the country.
His behind-the-scenes videos on Instagram and TikTok have gained a wide following, offering buyers tips on what to consider before bringing a tree home
Don’t buy too early
Bischoff says the weekend after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest for a reason: trees bought in early December typically last through Christmas with no trouble.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Alright, Thanksgiving is over, let’s go get a tree,’ ” he told PEOPLE.
But waiting until that first week of December ensures your tree stays healthy and full through the 25th.
“There will be no needles falling off by then — if you take good care of it,” he added.
Do check the inside branches
Shoppers often judge trees by their exterior shape, height or fullness. Bischoff says that’s only half the picture.
He advises checking the ground for fallen needles and gently opening the branches to inspect the interior.
“Sometimes, outside, you’re like, ‘Wow, this is really good,’ ” he explained. “Then you open up the branches a little bit and they’re kind of falling out.”
Still, he reassures buyers that most trees shipped to grocery stores nationwide are “pretty good quality,” meaning customers generally won’t go wrong.
Don’t skip watering
The most common mistake, according to Bischoff, is neglecting water.
“You’ve got to water your tree,” he emphasized. “There are so many people that just do not water their tree.”
He notes that it’s virtually impossible to overwater, and consistent hydration is the best way to keep a tree fresh for weeks.
He recalled delivering one that lasted months: the owner kept it indoors for two months, then left it outside until June and only then did it finally dry out.
Sources: Instagram; TikTok; PEOPLE interview with Justus Bischoff.
