O' Christmas Tree.

Since J and I have been married, we've had an artificial Christmas tree. At the end of last year, knowing our Christmas tree was on it's last leg and also desiring something different we decided that this year we would get a real tree.

I am excited to be working with BJ Trees/B & J Evergreen this year where we'll be getting our very first REAL Christmas tree.

Since I know nothing, absolutely nothing, about real Christmas trees. How to pick one? How to care for one? And all the other details that go into it, I asked Trent to help me out and give me some basic information before we make the trek on Friday to pick out that "perfect" one for our house!

These were some of the important factors he shared with me:

Space/planning: It's important to look ahead of time at where we plan on having our tree. Know the height of the room. Also remember trees always look smaller outside.

Picking the right one: In general pick-your-own trees are FRESH. It's important to pay attention to the tone of the color and also know what species of tree we want. Fraser Fir trees are the best trees as they have the best needle retention. Brent actually called them the Cadillac of Christmas trees. Balsam Fir trees have average to good needle retention but have a lot more fragrance than the Fraser Fir. Spruce trees {this is what I think of when I think of real Christmas trees} are prikkly.

A fresh cut is very important for a healthy tree. It's recommended to get your tree into water within an hour of being cut. If it's bought from a tree lot, the tree lot workers would cut a fresh cut on the bottom and the same rule applies.

How do I take care of this tree {ie how do I make sure it stays healthy and looking good through the holidays!?!}: Trent recommended observing the water intake the first 5-7 days. The tree will be replenishing a lot during that time. The water will have to be refilled a couple times right away. After that check the tree stand daily and make sure that the water never runs out or goes below the trunk.

Decorating: I asked Trent if there was anything I needed to be more careful about as we decorate our tree and was surprise when he said that if anything with a real tree we can be less careful, especially with the Fraser Fir trees.

What does one need to bring when cutting down their own tree? WARM CLOTHES! They provide the saw and the twine. Could it be any simpler?

I was surprised to learn that there are a lot of eco/green benefits to having a real tree versus an artificial one as well. For starters, most artificial trees are manufactured in China. Christmas trees actually serve a greater purpose for years (10-12!) before they actually become a Christmas tree. And at BJ Trees/B&J Evergreen, for every tree cut down they plant three the following spring. For more information on the green effects of having a real Christmas tree, visit here.

We plan on going first thing Friday morning to cut down our very first REAL Christmas tree. I'm really looking forward to it. Not only will it be an experience picking out and cutting down our tree but they also have sleigh rides, a petting zoo and for those that are into Santa {we're not}, Santa's there. Sounds like such a fun day, doesn't it?

In addition to the Choose and Cut location, they have four metro area locations. Maplewood, St. Louis Park, Richfield and Eden Prairie.

For more details on locations/hours and for a $3 off coupon only for my readers, head over here!!

Do you usually get a real tree? Or do you have an artificial?

What are some tips and tricks and info that you could share?

Disclosure: We are receiving a complimentary Christmas tree from B&J Evergreen in exchange for sharing/reviewing our experience of having our own REAL Christmas tree this year. These words and thoughts are mine {though many are answers to questions I asked Trent}.