Christmas tree shopping is one of the best Christmas traditions there is. Here’s are some tips on how to find the perfect one for your family. We have a few local places that you can check out and even an online option if you want to have a live tree delivered to your door. If a live tree is not for you, there are places on this list to get an artificial tree.
Measure – before heading out for your tree, decide where you would like to put it and get the approximate measurements for your ideal tree. Leave a minimum of six inches above your tree for your tree topper, and don’t forget to take the height of the base into account.
Prepare – if you have a tree stand, don’t forget to bring it with you. Most lots will put it on for you and will make sure that the tree is straight before you leave. It is essential that you have the right size stand for your tree. Bring gloves if you need for loading the tree and rope if you are not going to a lot that provides those services.
Check the angles – walk around the tree and see how it looks from all angles. You want it to look good from all angles, especially if your tree will be in a window. Do you like skinny trees or fat trees, ones with lots of spaces for ornaments? Check the density of the branches, the shape, color, and even the fragrance. The trunk should be straight and should not be visible through the branches.
Check for freshness – you will want a trunk with a slight stickiness to it. Bend a needle in half with your fingers; fresh firs should snap, fresh pine needles bend and not break. Now pull the needles towards you; the needles should stay on the tree. If you have an employee helping with tree selection and they open a new tree in front of you, they will often tap the trunk of the tree on the ground to allow the branches to fall. This is an excellent time to check how many needles fall; a few are normal, but too many could signify a tree that is not so fresh. Typically, the greenest trees are best.
Don’t settle – we know you feel the pressure from the poor guy who is opening tree after tree and is standing there begging you with his eyes to hurry up and pick one already. But there is nothing worse than rushing into buying a tree and getting it home to realize that it is not at all what you wanted.
Freshen the trunk – most lots do this as a standard thing, but if not, ask them to trim the base of your tree a bit. You can also do this at home if you have the right tools. This will allow the tree to absorb more water and stay fresher longer.
Shake – before bringing the tree into the house, shake it to ensure no critters enter your home with the tree.
Protect your floors – don’t forget to put down a waterproof layer under your tree stand to avoid stains and water damage to floors.
Water – water is the most important thing for the tree. Water it as soon as you get it home, and remember that it will absorb more water in the first few days, so you may have to check it a few times a day. Never let the water drop below the cut end of the trunk.
Wait – after you get your tree home and have watered it, take off the mesh wrapping and allow the branches to fall for several hours or overnight before adding your lights and decorations. Don’t forget to check your lights before adding them to the tree.
Recycle – for a sustainable and earth-friendly holiday, please recycle your tree.
*Pro-tip: Thanksgiving day is a great day to shop for your tree as the lots are not crowded. You can also find out when the lot opens and go then. Remember the tree you buy on opening day is the same one that you might buy a week later; it’s better to get in the water sooner rather than later.
Here is where to purchase your tree:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
- Hank Kline Club, 2805 SW 32 Avenue, Miami
- Open seven days a week, until trees are sold out from 9:00am-9:00pm
The Christmas Palace
- 9820 NW 77th Ave, Hialeah Gardens
- Open Monday-Saturday from 10:00am-9:00pm, and Sunday from 10:00am-10:00pm
Firefighters Christmas Trees
- 5501 Granada Boulevard, Coral Gables
- Open Sunday-Thursday from 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday from 10:00am-9:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am-8:00pm
Happy Holiday Christmas Trees
- 8445 Sunset Drive, Miami
Gibbs Christmas Tree Farm
- 9740 E Hwy 318, Citra
- Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am-5:00pm
Santa’s Tree Farm
- 35317 Huff Road, Eustis
Wishing Star Christmas Tree Delivery
- Caters to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton & the surrounding areas
- Open Monday-Friday from 9:00am-10:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-10:00pm
Here is where to recycle your tree:
Drop off your clean, decoration-free tree at one of the below Trash and Recycling Centers: (The centers are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
- Eureka Drive – 9401 SW 184 St.
- Golden Glades – 140 NW 160 St.
- Moody Drive – 12970 SW 268 St.
- North Dade Landfill – 21500 NW 47 Ave.
- Norwood – 19901 NW 7 Ave.
- Palm Springs North – 7870 NW 178 St.
- Snapper Creek – 2200 SW 117 Ave.
- South Miami Heights – 20800 SW 117 Ct.
- West Little River – 1830 NW 79 St.
- West Perrine – 16651 SW 107 Ave.
Drop off your tree at the West Miami-Dade Home Chemical Collection Center. The center, located at 8801 NW 58 St., is open seven days a week for from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This service is for tree drop off only.
We are not affiliated with the businesses listed here. Please check with them directly about availability and hours.
