https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:41:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees/page/2#post-2372740 Mon, 30 Nov 2015 09:55:09 +0000 irene 2372740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not that anyone cares but my tree is up! Turns out because we are in Georgia, firs don't grow here naturally and the farm we went to only had cypresses as uncut options. I was so nervous the entire time and they made us cut the trees ourselves! But it just turned out beautiful. We went with a 9' one and it is just perfect. Now I hope I don't mess up and our tree lasts until the end of year. Thank you so much for your help everyone!!</p> <p>[attach=79/15/nymurx.600x337.home.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees/page/2#post-2355104 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 06:47:24 +0000 Adira 2355104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Yay! Good luck!! Real trees are magical! :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees/page/2#post-2355101 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 06:26:40 +0000 BananaPancakes 2355101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I know you'll be happy with it, though maybe you should be forced to start with the crappy stands so you can really appreciate just how delightful having a nice one is! :grin: </p> <p>And as long as you cut of the end of the trunk when you get it home, then get it into water ASAP and keep it submerged, the tree will be fine! We've only ever had real trees and they are special. You'll love it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees/page/2#post-2355036 Thu, 12 Nov 2015 23:01:17 +0000 irene 2355036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>OK.... so I purchased a bunch of goodies from Amazon for my will-be christmas tree. Wish me luck that all will go smooth and charming and magical instead of a leaking base and falling tree and needles everywhere and unknown allergies! hahaha</p> <p>@BananaPancakes: @Mrs. D: I ended up buying the xxl version, not the deluxe. I couldn't see the difference between the XXL deluxe and non-deluxe version except the bells and whistles when the tree is locked.... and it is 30 bucks more! I hope my decision would be OK! I studied their reviews and while many people gave raving reviews, 6% gave 1 star and 90% of these 1 star people rated was because the stand leaked at some point and ruined their floors . Eeek! I thought long and hard and jumped into it. Wish me luck that mine won't be a lemon and I guess I will lay 3 towels underneath it on top of a waterproof mat (then maybe the tree will tumble because of that haha) ! </p> <p>@Littlebit7: I bought the bag you recommended - but also read from amazon reviews that many people thinks it is filmsy and the bag broke as they carry the tree out. Since it was only $6 I gave it a try anyway. Was your bag sturdy enough or too thin in your opinion?</p> <p>@Greentea: I would buy that stand if it wasn't so expensive! $130 before shipping! And the open bucket just makes me nervous!</p> <p>@Adira: @Mrs. D: Thank you for the placement suggestion!! It's a bummer I guess we have to decide and we couldn't move the Christmas tree around after it is set up :P</p> <p>Not sure if any of you are still reading this but thought I'd try anyway :) Thank you so much again all!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees/page/2#post-2352027 Wed, 11 Nov 2015 09:50:00 +0000 Greentea 2352027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: the stand I linked you is the best! I promise. Your tree won't tip over with it. I actually had a tree tip over when I was home sick from school as a kid and it almost landed on top of me, so now I recommend the stand I linked, plus a local guy makes them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2351961 Wed, 11 Nov 2015 09:27:08 +0000 Mrs D 2351961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I agree with @Adira: about putting it in front of the gorgeous big window on the wall perpendicular to the fireplace wall. It would look stunning there...other wise to the left of the fireplace would be nice too. Based on how much you use the fireplace should not be an issue at all - just so long as the branches are not IN the line of fire!</p> <p>I would get a 7 or 8' tree personally...it would be lovely. Though you will be a ladder to decorate!</p> <p>You may want to ask around about the life expectancy of a pre-cut tree in GA. I know its 8+ hours further north but when we were in Miami pre-cut trees only lived about 2 weeks because of the time to travel south and the exposure to the heat (drying them faster). You may be best with a farm in this case. You could try asking a FB mom 2 mom group? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2351735 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 23:34:46 +0000 Keybee 2351735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got a live tree two years ago and I'm still finding pine needles in the garage and basement, somehow. It's a real hassle to pick up, string with lights, then dispose of.<br /> We've chosen a fake tree ever since. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2351664 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:04:30 +0000 Adira 2351664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I meant the huge window on the right, not the window right next to the fireplace. Although I'm sure it would be fine close to the fireplace if you don't use it that much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2351661 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:01:59 +0000 irene 2351661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Will that be a fire hazard since it is right next to the fireplace? Or everyone does that anyway and as long as we don't leave things turned on when we are not there and keep the tree watered we'd be fine? I am a bit worried too because we *may* go somewhere between the week of Christmas and new year...</p> <p>ETA: Oh never mind I thought you mean the corner on the left! Hmm... it is possible although I don't think husband would be excited about it... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2351659 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:00:21 +0000 Adira 2351659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Could you fit it in front of that window on the right? Maybe have to move some furniture to fit it there. We always move things around to fit our tree. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2351656 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 21:56:14 +0000 irene 2351656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks again everyone! Wow. So much good advice on things that I couldn't even think about! I hope this live tree adventure will end well for us!</p> <p>@BananaPancakes: @Adira: @Mrs D: My ceiling is high, so I guess I have to get at least 8' tree? (attaching a small image) I believe the bottom of the entryway was 8'. </p> <p>In fact, I don't even know where to put it - The only place I can put it is to the left of the fireplace, but they also say don't put it next to the fireplace... but we don't usually turn the fireplace on, maybe for 5 minutes. Or I can put it at the corner to the right and move my chair somewhere... but still that would be next to the fireplace.</p> <p>Or should I get a 6' and put it at the entrance opening on the left of the photo? (It goes to the formal dining room which no one uses and the entrance of the house), so it a bit further away from the fireplace? But may look strange? hmm.</p> <p>What do you guys think in terms of size and placement?</p> <p>@BananaPancakes: If I am getting the stand you suggested, and I am only planning on getting the 8' tree, should I just get the large instead of the xxl? $20 difference! Haha. Or would you say I should get xxl just in case it tips even if the tree is 8'?</p> <p>@Littlebit7: Wow, great tip on the towel on top of the car!! I actually went back to read the description on the bag. So it says no tree skirt is necessary? really?</p> <p>@pastemoo: Wow I didn't even know what sap drip is. I will keep that in mind...</p> <p>@looch: In fact I was wondering how do you dispose the tree! Just put it in a bag and leave it out for tree pick up? I also wonder why am I doing this but I just wanted to give it a try... wish me luck!</p> <p>@yoursilverlining: @Mrs D: I guess I will stick with wine bottle for now.... don't want to go all out for the first tree :P</p> <p>@Mrs D: We live in Atlanta Georgia... hopefully they have decent tree farms around here. Anyone know by any chance about tree farms near atlanta? Thought I'd try to ask hahaha</p> <p>[attach=79/15/nxmqzo.500x500.livingroom.jpg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350670 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:13:48 +0000 Mrs D 2350670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: wine bottle is what we use...I'm so glad you mentioned it as I forgot! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350475 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:35:58 +0000 yoursilverlining 2350475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: those tubes are REALLY helpful - I definitely recommend. If you can't find them, an empty wine bottle works well too. The long neck can get into the stand pretty easily to water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350467 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:33:06 +0000 looch 2350467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I thought you were talking about a potted tree, not a cut one at first!</p> <p>You've gotten some good advice, but I am not team real tree, lol. I have no patience, especially for the disposal process. Once you get it in, you have to deal with getting it out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350434 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:17:29 +0000 pastemoo 2350434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Find a good farm! We got our first live one last year and it was so much fun! We bought the stand with water reservoir (cheap), and a little rug.<br /> The farm helped us learn about cutting (we cut our own, they wrapped it) and sold us that huge bag that you need to throw it away.<br /> Ask for one that sheds less. It was so fun! watch for sap drips... faster you clean it, the easier to get it clean. Smells so good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350426 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:09:14 +0000 Mrs D 2350426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: this is similar to our stand</p> <p><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/St-Nick-s-Choice-Swivel-Straight-Plastic-Tree-Stand-For-Trees-Up-to-10-ft-XTS3HD/203675239" rel="nofollow">http://www.homedepot.com/p/St-Nick-s-Choice-Swivel-Straight-Plastic-Tree-Stand-For-Trees-Up-to-10-ft-XTS3HD/203675239</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350416 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 10:01:20 +0000 Mrs D 2350416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: where do you live? I think this makes a big difference on life expectancy of the tree and where to get one.</p> <p>We have always done real trees - except for the 3 years we lived in Miami because the trees just dont last. We also traveled home for the holidays so it didnt make sense.</p> <p>I live in Michigan now - we have options here. We can go to a local nursery, a real tree farm (think wander the woods, cut it down yourself), an "assistance" tree farm (wander, point out, they cut) and then Home Depot/Costco/etc.</p> <p>DH and I get our tree either the weekend of Thanksgiving or the following (if Thanksgiving is early). Our trees last until NYE - New Years day we take it outside. We got a cheap stand from HD a few years back and it works great. I dont use a tree removal bag but I do lay a towel under the stand before putting the tree up.</p> <p>DH and I look for about 6' - we have 8' ceilings - this allows for a tree topper - plus the stand adds a few inches. Most important for us is a well full tree - i.e. no holes or gaps in the branches OR if there are gaps can it be hidden in the corner (we put ours in the corner). We install it night 1 and water - at HD they are more than happy to give you a "fresh cut", "bag it" and help you get it on the roof. We put it up and then wait 2-3 before decorating so the tree can "fall out" - i.e. the branches lay down from being all cramped if you buy a pre-cut one - still alive!</p> <p>Once its NY day we drag the tree to the curb and the city picks them up. I vacuum up the needles and doneso until next year!!!</p> <p>Hope I shared everything!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350377 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 09:35:20 +0000 Mamasig 2350377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: something like this. I found ours by the Christmas trees at lowes. </p> [attach=4375/15/nxlsix.340x340.image.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350199 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:38:46 +0000 BananaPancakes 2350199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Ok, I read the reviews you were talking about and it seems some people were having problems with it releasing randomly. I'm guessing a decent percentage of those didn't actually lock it. Just pumping the foot pedal will hold the tree really securely and if they didn't read the instructions properly, they may not have realized there's another step. If you don't fully lock it, I'm sure it could release the tree. And if you don't lock it, it's also really easy for a pet to walk underneath and release the tree. But I'm sure there are some who just got a crappy stand. As with most manufacturing, there's always some duds. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350193 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:21:31 +0000 Littlebit7 2350193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: yep it's a clear bag. It goes on thr floor with the stand in the middle. (It actually provides a second benefit. Protects your floors should a little water spill ). I bought a tree skirt from target to cover the stand which also covers the bag. I as using a tree skirt though before I even found out about the bags It's not unsightly; you wouldn't know it was there.<br /> We typically keep our tree up almost a month. So by the end the needles are pretty dry. Once you take ornaments off and try to move the tree it's like the needles explode everywhere. Plus when you first bring it into the house It is wrapped in the netting so it's nice and narrow and easy to carry. Not so when you take it down</p> <p>Also cover the roof of the car with an old towel under the tree. Sap is a pain in the butt to get off your roof. Again I learned this the hard way. </p> <p>Having said all of that I'd never have anything other than a real live tree!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350192 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:19:59 +0000 Adira 2350192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: The size of your tree totally depends on the space you want to put it. We usually get a 9' tree, but we have extra tall ceilings and anything smaller would look funny in the space that we put it. My parents usually get a 7-8' tree - they have ~8' ceilings. You just want to make sure your tree isn't too tall or you'll be cutting off the top to get it to fit, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350174 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 06:31:05 +0000 BananaPancakes 2350174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: We have a 7-8 ft tree. There are 3 sizes so maybe they got the wrong size? I have no idea how it would fall over in this stand, honestly. Unless they didn't crank it tight enough (you crank it right with a foot pedal). Or maybe if they set it up really crooked to begin with? I don't know. It's never seemed possible and we've been using it for the past 5 or 6 Christmases. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350117 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 00:45:31 +0000 irene 2350117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: How tall were your trees? I looked at it on amazon and people said anything higher than 6' the tree tipped over? So I guess as a tree-virgin I should get shorter than 6' with your stand?</p> <p>@Mamasig: What tube things????? :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2350113 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 00:28:10 +0000 irene 2350113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow! You guys are pros, and a Godsend!!! What am I going to do without you??</p> <p>You guys are stressing me out about "saving your marriage if you do this". Yikes! Is the tree going to drive us to divorce? Hahahaha. I mean to be honest it is not like my marriage were "The Notebook" now I am worried :silly: </p> <p>While I will go back and study all the links and advice one by one, I have another super dummy question: What is the usual height of tree people get? What is too small and what is too big? Or I should put it this way.... what would you recommend a Christmas Tree rookie get for the very first live tree? 5 feet? or is that too tall/short?</p> <p>Another super dummy question is - so the tree skirt go on top of the tree stand/base, is that correct? And we should put down a tree stand mat underneath the stand, correct? Trying to make sense of all of these without doing it wrong like an idiot.</p> <p>And do you have to do anything special if you had pets?</p> <p>@Littlebit7: So you put this bag on the bottom of the base stand? Do you need to put down a mat before you put this bag, and then put the stand and the tree on top of it? Is it hard to remove the base but just disposing the tree? And is the bag unsightly (like a trash bag in the middle of your living room under the tree lol)? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2349798 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 19:44:54 +0000 Littlebit7 2349798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok so this is very important unless you want to be vacuuming needles for the next 6 months. Before you put the tree in the stand purchase this:<br /> <a href="https://www.bronners.com/product/giant-christmas-tree-removal-bag.do?gdftrk=gdfV2399_a_7c470_a_7c7209_a_7c1133704&#038;gclid=CL2P9ujPhMkCFYoUHwod8-kOxw" rel="nofollow">https://www.bronners.com/product/giant-christmas-tree-removal-bag.do?gdftrk=gdfV2399_a_7c470_a_7c7209_a_7c1133704&#038;gclid=CL2P9ujPhMkCFYoUHwod8-kOxw</a><br /> It is sold on Amazon. Put it on the floor around the base and then do your thing with the tree. Trust me on this one. I credit it to saving our marriage one Christmas :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2349710 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:45:05 +0000 MsMini 2349710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have this tree stand: You put the base on outside, pop it in and then you level it using a foot pedal and swivel base. Life changing! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019C9NY2?psc=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019C9NY2?psc=1</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2349688 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:21:52 +0000 Greentea 2349688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is a great stand!</p> <p><a href="http://www.premierchristmastreestand.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.premierchristmastreestand.com/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2349608 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:46:20 +0000 Mrs. D 2349608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The trees people buy in parking lots are already cut now and on their way to the lots. Doesn't matter when you buy it, it's already cut, so go ahead and get one at a farm right now.</p> <p>As for a stand, we've used many different kinds, but my favourites are the ones that can hold a shit ton of water. </p> <p>This one is similar to my moms (we have to have artificial in our complex): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Krinners-Christmas-Tree-Genie-Deluxe/dp/B000CCSXH8/ref=sr_1_18?s=home-garden&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1447105478&#038;sr=1-18&#038;keywords=tree+stand+christmas" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Krinners-Christmas-Tree-Genie-Deluxe/dp/B000CCSXH8/ref=sr_1_18?s=home-garden&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1447105478&#038;sr=1-18&#038;keywords=tree+stand+christmas</a></p> <p>Hint: Pour sprite or seven up in the stand the first day, it'll help keep it fresher longer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2349604 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:44:09 +0000 MaryM 2349604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: 's tube thing reminded me...live or not, this thing is a game changer. No more climbing behind the tree to plug it in. </p> <p><a href="http://www.lakeside.com/Garden--Outdoor---DIY/Home-Improvement/Electrical-Accessories/Footswitch+Extension+Cords/prod1790382.jmp?cid=GooglePLA-%7Bproduct_id%7D&#038;adpos=1o5&#038;creative=62472344568&#038;device=c&#038;matchtype=&#038;network=g&#038;gclid=COS6teOnhMkCFdURHwodq9kMfQ" rel="nofollow">http://www.lakeside.com/Garden--Outdoor---DIY/Home-Improvement/Electrical-Accessories/Footswitch+Extension+Cords/prod1790382.jmp?cid=GooglePLA-%7Bproduct_id%7D&#038;adpos=1o5&#038;creative=62472344568&#038;device=c&#038;matchtype=&#038;network=g&#038;gclid=COS6teOnhMkCFdURHwodq9kMfQ</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-living-christmas-trees#post-2349599 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:36:35 +0000 rattles 2349599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hooray for real trees! I wouldn't get it now if you'll be gone over the holidays, and our tree farm is not open until Nov. 27th. Otherwise, this is full of good advice. </p>