If you'd like a real tree but don't have the time or the desire to go harvest one yourself, you can visit a tree lot to pick out one that's been pre-cut. There are some community lots you will find in your neighbourhood - otherwise the parking lot of big box stores and grocers are prime tree lot locations.
If you do go the tree lot route, you should check the tree to make sure it hasn't already dried out. There are a number of suggested ways to do this. You can try:
- Banging the base of the tree on the ground to see how many green needles fall off.
- Running the branches through your hand, again to see how many green needles are already loose.
- Bending needles to make sure they don't snap off the tree easily.
Any pre-cut tree is going to be drier than one you've just cut yourself, so be prepared to trim the base and provide water soon after you get it home (See the next step for more details).
