`Tis the season! Get in the holiday spirit with our local guide to shopping for a Christmas tree.

The first of December officially marked the countdown to Christmas and many of you will begin your search for the perfect tree this coming weekend. We put together this local guide to Christmas tree shopping along with tips on installation, care, and (sadly the day will come) disposal of your tree. We hope you have the greatest tree ever... whether this is your first or fiftieth holiday season in Roxborough!

Installation Tips

• Identify the location for your Christmas tree in your home - the first step toward an uncomplicated installation.
• Measure both the diameter and height of the space where you envision your tree.
• Take the tree stand into account in your measurements, as any skirt or cover to be placed at the base of the tree.
• A good rule of thumb for standard 9-foot ceilings is to purchase a 7.5-foot-tall tree, leaving you room to position and add your stand and a decoration on top.
   

What A Perfect Tree Looks Like

Due to their soft needles and resilience to indoor temperatures, the most common tree types available in our area include Douglas and Fraser Fir. While they both offer a vibrant bluish green color, they differ in the way their needles are held.  

When selecting your tree, look for one that is full and uniform, to avoid the time-honored tradition of hiding the barren spot in the back. Be sure to also check the tree’s branches; they should be springy and bend without too much force. It is okay if some of the needles fall off when the tree is touched or twirled. If the overall color is faded, it could be a sign the tree is excessively dry.

Where To Buy A Tree

Here are five local favorites with fresh-cut Christmas trees in stock. 

Gorgas Park Christmas Tree Stand
4105 Main Street

Size Range: Between 3’ and 14’
Types of Trees: Douglas Fir and Fraser Fir
Stands: Yes
Decorations: N/A

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Gorgas Park Christmas Tree Stand has temporarily moved locations for this holiday season. This stand offers a $5.00 delivery option for residents in Roxborough, Andorra, Wissahickon, and parts of East Falls.

Konopka’s Tree Stand
Ridge Avenue and Conarroe Street

Size Range: Between 5’ to 9’ 
Types of Trees: Douglas Fir and Fraser Fir
Stands: N/A
Decorations: N/A

Note: This stand offers free delivery in the area. You'll find this stand set up in a rear lot off of Ridge Avenue.

R & R Produce
7100 Ridge Avenue
215.508.1301

Size Range: Between 4’ and 10’
Types of Trees: Pennsylvania Douglas, Oregon Douglas, Douglas Fraser Fir and Blue Spruce.
Stands: Yes
Decorations: Yes

Stanley’s Hardware
5555 Ridge Avenue
215.482.1200

Size Range: Between 3’ and 10’
Types of Trees: Fraser Fir and Douglass Fir
Stands: Yes
Decorations: Yes

Note: Artificial tree options also available.

The Secret Garden
7631 Ridge Avenue
215.483.5009

Size Range: Between 4’ and 10’
Types of Trees: Fraser Fir and Douglass Fir
Stands: Yes
Decorations: Yes

Note: Free delivery in the area.

Maintaining and Caring For Your Tree

Purchasing a live tree requires proper care to maintain its quality.

• Make sure you obtain a stand with the capacity to contain a quart of water for every inch of the tree stem's diameter.
• Once the tree is cut, get it into the tree stand with water as soon as possible.
• Check your tree daily to ensure it is submerged, even if there is water visible in your stand's reservoir.
• When decorating your tree, use lights that produce low heat. Checking lights before installation will save you time if an old set of lights are worn or no longer working.

Disposing of Your Tree

Following the holidays, take advantage of the City of Philadelphia's Christmas Tree Recycling Program. Roxborough residents can drop their trees off at any Sanitation Convenience Center. The closest Sanitation Convenience Center is right here in Roxborough, located on Domino Lane and Umbria Street. It will be open from Monday, January 6th through Saturday, January 18th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visit the City of Philadelphia Streets Department website for more information on holiday recycling programs.