Discussions

Just an FYI for those getting a real tree this year. We brought home our real tree last night from Home Depot. They have an amazing selection although it isn't immediately visible. They are in the garden centre this year.  
 
Put it up last night to let it open. Woke up this morning and wow is it a beautiful tree. Only paid around $35 for it too!

Went to Home Depot last night got the Fraser for $35 7ft tall if not a bit more. Also for those that don't know Home Depot gives a $25 voucher to use in store with any live tree purchase until Dec 6. Valid January 1st

yes got the voucher too!

Some people have been telling me it's too early to put up a real tree. some of them start looking a bit shabby by Christmas. I want to put one up now but the wife is saying we should wait. Would be interested to here other people's opinions.

A note going around facebook is to boil the water and let it return to still too hot to put your hand in it temperature before putting it in the tree holder. Cold water could freeze up the sap even more. Warm water will get the sap moving and increase the life and beautiful aroma of the natural tree.  
 
 
Me? With three cats, I put up a new climber for them and decorate that instead.  

Using a real Xmas tree. Everything I read online said use cold water.. Would like someone to clear this up lol. Warm or cold water?

We have always had a real tree and have always just used cool/cold tap water. The biggest thing is to make a fresh cut on the stump before putting it up and not let it ever go dry. You will be amazed how much water a tree will drink, especially in the first few days.

It's important to buy from the local business and including real trees. Home Depot is using the live trees as marketing and is losing money on every tree. If we don't support local business and pay the correct value for items we will lose these businesses in our towns. So many have closed and are closing.  
 
Brandon will become a clone city with Home Depot Canadian Tire and WalMart and that's it.

Patmore's has gorgeous trees right now and they're all hung up in the greenhouse so you can choose the perfect one- and they cut the butt fresh for you, bag it, and help you load it. When I was there they had tons of Fraser and Balsam firs as well as Scotch and White Pine, and even some Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, & Concolor firs. Even if they're a bit more expensive than Home Depot or Cdn Tire it's totally worth supporting a local family business over a big box store. You only buy one a year, might as well make it count- be the change you want to see in the world!  
The best of the season to all!

Can. Tire had trees for $80. Good to know Home Depot is cheaper. Shopping local is a nice idea, but not all can afford to, especially at Xmas.

As much as I can but when it comes to paying almost double for stuff.. Sorry not happening.

Its's unfortunate that the masses only perceive value in the price of something. Supporting mainly box stores has so many long term costs to communities and individuals. Buying and supporting local businesses and food growers is not just an 'idea', it is how healthy communities thrive economically, environmentally, and culturally.  
 

I am all for shopping local but last I checked those big box stores employ local people. Those people get paid by those big box stores out of the money I spend in it. They in turn spend their money throughout Brandon. It all balances out IMO.  
 
When it comes down to it whatever is cheapest is what makes it into my home. Christmas is a strict budget and if a cheap tree allows me to spend the extra on gifts I will.  
 
I just love how me letting people know Home Depot has great trees at a cheap price turn into something totally off topic. Lol.

Have been buying live trees for 30plus years from them. Find their prices very comparable to other places.  
We enjoy the uniqueness of a live tree, Charlie Brown ones too,lol.  
I have never put one up this early but have not had much luck with them lasting any longer than about 3 weeks. Again, this is just my experience

standupguy said "Went to Home Depot last night got the Fraser for $35 7ft tall if not a bit more. Also for those that don't know Home Depot gives a $25 voucher to use in store with any live tree purchase until Dec 6. Valid January 1st "

Do they have taller trees (9 or 10 feet)?

one more thing.. said "Some people have been telling me it's too early to put up a real tree. some of them start looking a bit shabby by Christmas. I want to put one up now but the wife is saying we should wait. Would be interested to here other people's opinions. "

We plan to get our tree early and store it outside until closer to Christmas. We often wait until a week before.