As with all types of apartment decor, it’s smart to give some measured thought to the type of tree that will work best in your unit. Otherwise, you could end up with a situation fit for a Chevy Chase movie IRL, and nobody wants that. Here are some important points to consider in those infant stages of Christmas tree selection and holiday decorating.
1. Consider your space
Lucky enough to live in an apartment with extra-high ceilings and more space than you can furnish? Go ahead and get that oversized Christmas tree! Everyone else, however, should stick with a more realistically sized tree that won’t turn the unit into a claustrophobic mess.
Most modern apartments have nine-foot ceilings, but make sure to measure your own before making any purchase to be on the safe side. Also, factor in the height of a tree including the tree stand and topper. Don’t forget to measure the space to allow for the depth of the tree!
Above all else, take a step back and survey the space as a whole before going down the Christmas decor rabbit hole. Some smaller spaces only have room for a small tree on a table, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Better to select the right tree for your space than wind up totally overwhelmed.
2. Think about the pros and cons of a real Christmas tree
There are myriad pros and cons to both real and artificial Christmas trees, but they’re easy enough to suss out. Simply consider what’s really important to you and choose accordingly!
When it comes to Christmas trees, the real thing has some pretty undeniable perks, like the wonderful smell that so many of us associate with the holidays and the experience of picking it out from a selection of full-sized trees.
However, many such trees are overwhelming in a small space, branches drop needles like crazy (requiring regular cleanup), must be watered and maintained and can also be difficult to carry up flights of stairs. Then, there’s the chore of disposing of the tree after the holidays are over.
Authentic Christmas trees also aren’t cheap. The average tree cost $81 in 2021, and prices are projected to increase in 2022, thanks to historic inflation. As they’re a one-and-done use situation, many people don’t think that real trees are as practical as artificial ones.
3. Then do the same for artificial Christmas trees
Artificial Christmas trees, although they lack some of the “sincerity” of the season, as the Peanuts character Linus would put it, make a lot more sense for some people’s holiday decor. The best artificial Christmas trees can be taken apart and easily stored in a box under the bed for repeat use, plus many come with pre-lit lights, making them plenty festive enough for any apartment. They’re also available in a range of sizes and price points and don’t have to be watered. This is a big deal for busy professionals, as a too-dry Christmas tree actually poses a serious fire hazard.
A typical artificial Christmas tree does lack the seasonal scent associated with pine trees, but for many, that’s a small price to pay for their convenience. It’s also the same year in and year out, which can be boring for people who like to vary their winter wonderland with different tree types.
4. Think about special circumstances
Some individual circumstances can make a difference in the type of Christmas tree a person should set up. For example, the renter in the fifth-floor walkup might be better suited to a small tree, or possibly no tree at all. Instead, opt for less cumbersome holiday decor to add a bit of cheer to the space. The same concept goes for people renting small spaces. If you only have a few hundred square feet of space, do you really want to forfeit any of it to a tree? When space is a serious issue, minimalist Christmas decor is the way to go.
5. Keep safety in mind
Renters with young children, dogs or mischievous cats might want to steer clear until they mature a bit, as all three are known to topple big trees from time to time. This is a clear safety issue, so even if a tree is set up, measures should be taken to prevent unintentional injury. Also, people who travel a lot might decide that an artificial Christmas tree is the better option, as they won’t be around to water it as much as it needs to be to prevent it from turning into a fire hazard.
The best types of apartment Christmas trees
For some, an artificial Christmas tree is the answer. Artificial trees are customizable, durable and will last for years on end. However, many people are dead set on the tradition of buying and decorating a real, fresh pine Christmas tree with lots of ornaments, tinsel and all the other festive trimmings.
Once you’ve mapped out exactly what size of tree you can fit into your apartment floor space, there are many different real tree options to choose from. Here are some of the top choices that not only look great, but create a festive mood and, when done right, be the perfect tree for your apartment lifestyle:
Fraser fir
With its silvery-green needles, full branches and perfectly triangular shape, the Fraser fir is arguably one of the best real Christmas trees around. Naturally outfitted with soft needles, it’s a very family-and pet-friendly type of tree. There’s also generous space between its sturdy branches to string lights, decorate and hang plenty of ornaments and other decorations.
Grown to stand about seven feet tall, its compact size makes it an ideal option for smaller apartments. As long as it’s watered regularly, it will stay healthy and happy throughout the holidays and won’t shed many of its needles. The last thing anyone likes is constantly having to sweep or vacuum stuff from under and around the Christmas tree.
Balsam fir
Another classic tree type is the Balsam fir, which has a similar shape to the Fraser fir and gloriously-bushy branches thick with deep-green needles. People enjoy it for its amazing scent.
The main downside to this one is that the bushy and bendable branches make it difficult to hang a lot of heavy ornaments. So, if you don’t have a lot of tree decorations or prefer a more minimal aesthetic, this tree is a good option. Perhaps you could have a more rustic look and add lots of berries to the tree to keep it company.
With frequent watering, the tree will retain most of its needles. They’ll dry out more quickly, so don’t place them near heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and heaters.
Tabletop spruce or miniature conifer
If you’re really limited on space, consider a tiny tree, complete with tiny ornaments, that you can place on a table or other piece of furniture. This still gives you the chance to add personalized holiday spirit to your room and decorate your surroundings for that perfect balance of holiday cheer.
Mini conifers or tabletop spruce trees both look the part of a small tree and are very easy to maintain. You can find either spruce or conifer small Christmas trees at most garden nurseries, usually standing only a couple of feet tall.
These types of trees are convenient for your apartment because they don’t need a lot of sunlight and only require frequent watering to stay alive.
Colorado blue spruce
With its distinctive blue-green needles, the Colorado blue spruce is an eye-catching tree that makes for a very unique aesthetic style choice. If you’re looking to shake things up with a Christmas décor scheme that’s more modernist or Instagrammable, this striking big tree is just the ticket.
This fresh pine does a good job of retaining its needles (as long as it’s well watered) and has a symmetrical, compact shape that makes it easy to slot into a corner of any room.
Pro tip: This tree’s needles are sharp and spiky, so you may want to wear gloves while adding heavy ornaments or applying tinsel to the interior branches.
Artificial Christmas tree
There are tons of different styles ranging from tried-and-true classics to jazzed-up, silver trees with fake snow or built-in Christmas lights. They are cost-effective because you only need to buy one that will last for years. They also don’t need water.
If you’re looking for inspiration or more information on how to customize your artificial tree in the perfect way, you can search for photos online and then independently select which one is the right option for you!
Finally, they’re easier to deal with, as you can simply store them in a closet, basket or storage area. You can easily break down most models and stash out of the way for the rest of the year. You’ll also have no problem finding a type of faux tree that fits your needs, whether that pertains to size or style.
Apartment Christmas tree care tips
No matter what type of Christmas tree you choose for your small space, there are some basic care guidelines apartment dwellers should follow to keep real trees alive and healthy throughout the holiday season.
Keep your tree well watered
The most important part of taking care of a Christmas tree is making sure that it stays well watered. A good general rule to follow is to add a quart of water for every inch of the tree’s diameter. That way, it won’t dry out too fast and you won’t get stuck with a dead Christmas tree before the big day arrives.
For example, if the tree had a diameter of six inches, you would add six quarts of water to keep the real tree fresh and healthy.
Check the water level on a daily basis and make sure to buy a tree stand that will hold a fair amount of water so there aren’t spills but you’re also giving the tree all the water it needs.
Make sure it has a trimmed trunk
When purchasing your Christmas tree, make sure to trim the base of the trunk and ensure it doesn’t have resin build-up. An abundance of resin on the base can prevent the tree from soaking up enough water, causing it to dry out.
Most Christmas tree sellers have already cut the base of the trunk, but you still want to check, just in case the tree has been on the lot for a while. There’s also always the choice to cut down your own tree, either at a Christmas tree farm that allows you to cut down your own tree or out in the woods. Just make sure you have permission from property owners first!
Don’t set it up too early
You may have seen the West Elm or Pottery Barn displays going up around Halloween, but even if it’s tempting to start decorating early, most Christmas trees will only survive around five weeks, provided they’re being given the proper care. Plan to get your tree and set it up after Thanksgiving or at the beginning of December. That way, it will stay alive and well until after the holidays.
Pick a safe tree if you have kids or pets
It bears repeating that, if you have young children or pets in your apartment, you’ll want to pick a tree that either they can’t harm or that can’t harm them. For that purpose, trees with soft needles — like the Balsam fir — are ideal for homes with kids or pets that like to get into things. You’ll also want to ensure the tree is well secured in its stand so it can’t accidentally tip over or be knocked over.
On the flip side, you always want to prevent rambunctious cats, curious dogs or grabby toddlers from messing with the tree. Plan your decorating and tree choice accordingly.
If you have cats that love climbing and might get into the tree, choose a hardy tree that can withstand it. Also, place your more valuable ornaments higher up the tree and closer to the trunk so they’re more secure. A good, strong base will also prevent a tree from getting pulled or knocked over by an excitable dog or a child.
Keep it away from heat or fire
Even though there’s limited space, never put your apartment Christmas tree near fires, candles or heaters. Not only will the heat dry out your tree faster, making it lose its needles and hitting the trash faster, but a dried-out tree is also a fire risk.
It’s easy to have an apartment Christmas tree
With these types of Christmas trees, you can easily have the healthy, beautiful Christmas tree of your dreams. Get ready for all the holiday glory in your small apartment!
