Does Anyone Use Balsam Xmas Trees for the Holidays?

Artificial tree for me. Growing up we always had real trees and the cleanup was a pain. My father used to put a few tablets of aspirin in the water tray. Make sure water was always there. Now I get a few branches or swags for the smell. I also use a spray mix of essential oils and cheap vodka for Christmas scent.

Balsam trees are so beautiful with the long needles they are great for decorating. I've had only one in all the years and the fragrance really adds to the holiday spirit. If you are able to have access to a real one and can afford it, go for it and enjoy it and even the mess it makes! Makes great memories! Happy holidays!

You could try Spraying them with Hairspray if ypu can't get proper spray from store for the job!

Artificial trees are best if you like to keep your tree up for a long time. Plus you don't have to worry about the mess, watering, bugs or mold. However, if you love real trees and the smell, maybe you could get a large faux one and pick up a small potted real tree to display on a table. They sell them everywhere.

Honestly, I have yet to run into a real tree that doesn’t drop a zillion needles. I accept it for what it is and just vacuum them up as needed. Plus a real tree is better for the environment.

I'm allergic so I go artificial but my brother used to always go live. He would take a king size flat sheet and put down around the tree to "catch" the needles.

Hi Bobby, hope this helps you.

1. Balsam fir trees
2. These trees are a popular choice for Christmas because they have a dark-green color, long-lasting needles, and a pleasant fragrance. However, they can be messy and may carry allergens.
3. Artificial trees
4. Artificial trees can be a more convenient option than live trees, but they can contribute to environmental pollution and climate change. Some artificial trees are designed to look realistic and can be controlled with a remote or foot pedal. However, they are not recyclable or biodegradable.
5. Balsam Hill trees
6. Balsam Hill is a popular brand of artificial Christmas trees. Some say that Balsam Hill trees are high quality and realistic, but they require a lot of fluffing. Unlit Balsam Hill trees can last up to ten years with proper care and storage, while pre-lit trees can last three-to-five years.

You can buy a needle fixative from a Garden Centre or online.

They are selling Balsam trees at the garden departments all over town. I use a fake tree now, because years ago I had a short in my lights and the tree went on fire. We caught it in time but I never want that to happen again. Thank goodness the tree was well watered.

Hi Bobby: I used to have real trees, but the cats kept climbing in and knocking all of the ornaments and the tree down :( What I did to keep the needles from falling off was to make an X cut on the bottom of the stump, about 1/2 inch, and a few slices along the bark where it sat under the water so it would stay hydrated. Be sure to keep it watered, and you shouldn't have any, or just a few, problems. I loved the smell of the real tree, but the sound of it crashing in the middle of the night and 3 cats running like mad made me change my mind.

Check these sites for tips on watering:

https://www.wikihow.com/Water-a-Christmas-Tree

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-water-a-christmas-tree/