How To Save Money On Christmas Tree

How To Save Money On Christmas Tree

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Is your budget too tight this Xmas? Are you thinking about sizing down on non-essentials for the upcoming holidays? Skipping out the centerpiece of the festive season is not an option. A lovely Christmas fir or pine is a necessity that fills our hearts with warmth, joy, and hope.

Luckily, there are various tactics you can use to set aside some significant cash for the Christmas tree. Whether you prefer a freshly cut tree or an artificial will suffice, we got you covered. Consider our suggestions to slash the Christmas tree’s cost up to 85% of the regular price.

Cut Your Own

Have you always dreamed of cutting your evergreen for the winter holidays, but you never seem to find the time? Well, this Xmas may open up a perfect opportunity for the entire family to enjoy a memorable venture to the nearest forest.

Before you set off, contact your local national forest to get information on the process. Most likely, you’ll have to acquire a permit to cut down any tree. Note that such licenses may be in limited numbers, so you’d better act quickly.

The average price to pay for a single Christmas tree ranges from $5 to $25. Still, the figure depends on the park regulations and the state itself. Moreover, some parks allow one household to harvest up to five trees up to 15 feet tall.

Size Down

The smaller the evergreen in size, the more money you’re bound to save. So, if you’ve been focusing on savings lately, consider getting a tabletop tree for a lower price. Generally, farms that nurture evergreens charge by the foot, so do your calculations from home.

Depending on your set budget for the season, it may be best to settle on a 7-footer or smaller. Remember that pre-cut trees also get a price depending on their size. Even better, why don’t you visit a nearby garden center and buy a rosemary bush? Apart from smelling good, you’ll pay a significantly lower price than at the local tree lot.

Buy A Pre-Cut Tree

It may seem weird but saving yourself the trouble of going to the nearest forest can get you a cheaper Christmas tree. Meaning, if you let somebody else from a tree farm harvest the evergreen for you, you’ll pay less. What you should essentially do is head to the nearest tree lot. There, you can select your pre-cut fir for the winter holidays and have it delivered at home in no time.

It’s ideal when the cheaper option requires the least effort on your side, too. We highly suggest you avoid paying by the foot if you can. Hence, opt for a tree that sells at a flat rate instead of paying from $10 to $15 per foot.

photo 2020 12 10 09 05 33
Photo by Dana Tentis

While a real Christmas tree looks beautiful, you can save tons of cash each year by merely getting an artificial one.

Artificial Christmas Tree

In the long run, an artificial evergreen is the most economical option. The average price for real trees stands somewhere at $78, while its synthetic counterpart is about $104. Meaning, the second option pays off in two seasons only. Here are some useful ideas on how and where to procure the most affordable artificial bushes.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals. Do your research in due time and find out what stores offer Black Friday deals for Christmas trees. Even better, purchase your favorite artificial tree online, and you won’t even have to bother dragging it home. We have some great Black Friday shopping tips for snagging the best deal!

Use coupons. All of our readers who want to save some money and the environment should use coupons and buy an artificial Xmas tree. We suggest you look at the discounts offered by Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.

Buy second-hand. Befriend thrift shops for the best selection of second-hand artificial Xmas trees. Expect to strike a deal for as much as 75% off the regular price. Also, make sure you shop early in the season for a wider choice. Other places you can check include yard sales, Craigslist, and classified ads.

Purchase after Christmas. For those families who prefer a synthetic version of the Christmas centerpiece, shopping after the holidays is a real lifesaver. After all, not everyone wants to deal with a real tree at home.

Shop Late In The Season

We understand that shopping as early as January for the next festive season requires too much organization. However, eager buyers can get up to 85% off on both bushes and Christmas tree decorations at this point. Such a purchasing strategy is most useful when you’re up for an artificial bush and branches.

When you decide to buy festive stuff later in the season, expect that this will benefit your wallet. You’ll see that retailers are trying to get rid of seasonal stock starting from late December. Be aware as this method might not always work with real trees as those can be long gone. Farms may also keep the remaining evergreens for the next year instead of selling them cheaper.

Buy Common Species

Purchasing a widespread variety of an evergreen won’t break the bank, and you can proceed with your most delicate decorations. You might not know that traders charge higher prices for slow-growing trees. Hence, it’s ideal to go for a fast grower such as Scotch pines. In a word, any bush from the pine family will do fine as these are easy to find and highly sought.

Fir and spruce tend to be more expensive options, so avoid these species if you want to economize. Yet, if you’re after the pleasant aroma and bountiful branches, set aside about $49 for a wholesale price of a Douglas fir. A 9-foot white fir or a Fraser fir should cost you approximately the same.

All in all, there’s no point in pouring large amounts of money down the drain for rare species. More popular picks also have unique and festive features. Both the tree and your hard-earned cash are going to end up on the curb in a few weeks.

Try Negotiating

Tree lots won’t reject your negotiation plan and may even welcome you with a pleasant offer. There’s nothing wrong with trying to snag a deal on an evergreen that is a little beyond your budget limits. Plus, you have nothing to lose by asking for a fairer price of an imperfect evergreen that you happened to notice.

Start building your offer by locating a shortcoming in the tree you’ve set your eyes upon. Check if there’s a gap in the branches, or maybe you can spot a partial discoloration. Use such deficiencies to negotiate a better deal with the seller. Mind that Christmas tree shops may be more willing to reduce the price somewhere at the end of the festive season.

photo 2020 12 10 09 05 31
Photo by NastyaSensei

If your friends have a tree they don’t plan to use or want to throw away, you can always borrow it from them. This way, you will save cash for at least one season.

Shop Around

As with grocery and apparel shopping, start by investigating the prices online. You can even call several retailers and ask them to give you an offer. Reaching out to various businesses that sell Christmas trees and comparing their prices is smart for striking a deal.

If you wonder where to start from, check the site of the National Christmas Tree Association. They offer a tree locator tool that can help you locate the nearest tree farms and lots. Decide on a day and dedicate a whole afternoon to shopping around for the perfect Christmas tree. Apart from exuding a memorable and fun venture for the family, looking around will be beneficial for your pocket, too.

Find A Wholesale Dealer

Have you thought about skipping the middleman and saving money in the process? Apparently, if you head to the tree wholesaler and buy directly from them, you can reduce the price by 20%.

You can check the online directory of wholesale Christmas tree farms within the United States. There, interested buyers will find information about each farm and any special features they may be offering. We urge you to call any wholesale retailer that you have in mind before going there in person. Specific farms won’t agree to sell to individual customers.

Check Locally For Free Trees

You might be surprised at the sight of free Christmas trees you can find around you after you strike the search button. The year 2020 has become viral for free tree programs aimed at low-income families and veterans. Even if you don’t manage to get it 100% free, you may be eligible for a significant discount.

Some of the most popular organizations that grant free evergreens include Christmas Tree Santas and The Christmas Tree Project. Alternatively, Trees for Troops is a foundation that gives free evergreens to military families. These programs operate US-wide and are eager to help numerous troubled families enjoy the holiday season.

photo 2020 12 10 09 05 35
Photo by Element5 Digital

Borrow A Tree

Multiple companies and tree farms in the neighborhood offer renting services for a wide range of Christmas bush species. What you must do is find such a company and select the evergreen you wish to bring home. Once the holidays are over, take it back to the Christmas tree shop for a fraction of the real cost.

A rented fir will cost you somewhere between $20 and $50 depending on the size and the species. Note that you’ll eventually have to pay a deposit when picking up the bush. Apart from being kind to your wallet, this strategy helps save the environment as fewer trees will get cut. Last, if all these attempts fail, considering some of the most affordable Christmas loans may be a viable option.

Save On Additional Items

Why not save on multiple aspects of Christmas by making smart decisions? We urge you to start planning well in advance and spread the cost throughout the entire year. Read our tips on how to have a brilliant Xmas on a budget.

Decorations. Christmas tree decorations can take a vast percentage of your Christmas budget. Therefore, start by making DIY ornaments both for indoor and outdoor decoration. You can also scavenge local estate sales and online sites like Craigslist for top-rated ornaments.

Toys. Make use of coupons, discounts, and cashback sites when shopping for toys. Moreover, consider second-hand, Dollar stores, and thrift stores for maximum savings. These 18 smart ways to save on children’s toys are an essential collection that’ll help you stay within budget this Christmas.

Presents. Start thinking about gifts and procure them as early as possible. Boost the whole strategy by gathering gift cards throughout the year. Buy the items you know your beloved ones adore during Black Friday or when other sales are on. If you’re an artistic soul, the last piece of advice would be to invest time and effort in some creative DIY gifts.

Food. Plan all your meals for the holidays in detail. See what ingredients you already have in your kitchen cabinets, and then hit the stores with a shopping list in hand. Seek cheaper alternatives of essential ingredients and buy in bulk when possible. Also, don’t forget to check out these fantastic cheap meal ideas.

Conclusion

Will you and your family remember which trees cost you $130 and which were only $30? Certainly not, and our point here is to focus on sharing love and family time. A more expensive and dominant Christmas tree won’t make you happier by itself. An imperfect 5-foot pine full of character and charm can also do the job.

Do you have some tricks that help you economize on the Christmas evergreen? Our readers will be more than happy to read them in the comment box below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our ProMoneySavings Newsletter, which is packed with tons of cash-saving hacks.

FAQ

How do you keep a Christmas tree from drying out?

Start by purchasing a healthy and heavier tree harvested a short time ago. Place the trunk of the evergreen in a bucket of water immediately after you buy it. Apart from hydrated, it’s best to keep the tree far from any sources of heat. If you put smaller LED lights to decorate it, this will slow down the dying-out process.

What can I add to the water to keep my Christmas trees fresh?

The market is full of additives promising to keep your evergreen fresh and plentiful. Still, maintaining the right level of water can have the same beneficial effect as costly additives. Meaning, though adding sugar, corn syrup, or aspirin won’t harm your tree, such supplements won’t impact the evergreen’s longevity. Ensure you use a tree stand to hold enough water and place it further from light and heat sources.

How can I make my Christmas tree look more expensive?

Even though you haven’t invested a large amount of money, there are ways to make your evergreen look full and exquisite. Start embellishing your Christmas centerpiece by flocking it for a snowy look. Decide on a specific theme and use decorations that fit the selected style once you’ve added the lights. Last, don’t forget the ribbon layers to elevate your evergreen’s aesthetic. It’s best to finish off the trees with a unique topper and a skirt to balance the overall look.

Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?

As long as you need some Christmas spirit to make your daily routine playful, November is the perfect time to start decorating. Though most people believe November is pretentious, we support your early festive endeavors. You may consider decorating once Thanksgiving is over to avoid mixing the décor themes at home. There’s an unwritten rule that 1 December is ideal for putting up your Xmas tree. Anyways, don’t wait until it’s too late, as this may bring you bad luck.

How do you make a sparse Christmas tree look fuller?

Having a cheaper or even artificial evergreen doesn’t have to imply a miserable sight. To make it look richer, use as many lights as possible underneath the decorations. Also, use garlands and wired ribbons to wrap the tree in horizontal or vertical lines. Using shimmery metals on the bush will give it more visual weight and leave an impression of exclusivity. Finally, combine large and small-scale ornaments to fill in any holes appearing in between the branches.


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    Emily

    36 thoughts on “How To Save Money On Christmas Tree

    1. Marylin says:

      When it comes to Christmas, I love everything about Christmas. And I love natural Christmas trees although they are expensive

    2. Celine says:

      Even this year is different that the others because of the pandemic and everything I can still feel the up-coming holidays. It is my favourite time of the year

    3. Berlin says:

      I think that the natural Christmas trees should be more affordable. The prices raise every year and with the crisis we hope to cut on all the unnecessary expenses.

    4. Brandon says:

      Nice tips. Maybe we should think of obtaining one of the artificial Christmas trees and solve the problem for the next 10 years

    5. Deniz says:

      I always negotiate for Christmas tree and I always get a good deal. I don’t think that paying a huge amount of money for something that is not useful is a smart idea.

    6. Polina says:

      I always buy a lot of decorations every year. Apart for paying for a Christmas tree I spend a lot of money on unique decorations and presents. This year with the situation and everything that is going on I will try to cut down on the expenses.

    7. Crown C says:

      Every year my family has a fun time trying to find a perfect Christmas tree. We are visiting the tree lots and having great time. Christmas is the most joyful holiday in our house. We spend a lot of money on this but I like it

    8. Donatelo says:

      I bought an artificial evergreen a couple of years ago. First year it was strange but now we get used to it. It is cleaner and although it does not bring that specific smelt it is ok. Definitely is cheaper option and it can stay for many years.

    9. Menada says:

      I adore Christmas and the holidays. Trying to find the perfect Christmas tree is part of the tradition. I won’t change it for anything

    10. Sanela says:

      Every year me and my kids make some DIY decorations and we save a lot of money on that. It is time that we spend together and have a lot of fun.

    11. Zoe says:

      I like the festivity of Christmas. I like the Christmas lights, I adore Christmas. This year is different than the others and there won’t be gatherings as usual but however we will try to do our best

    12. Sandy says:

      Christmas is something that we should spend with our families and have great time together. We shouldn’t change it for anything

    13. Marcelo says:

      I got to spend Christmas with my parents in a small home town. It is always magical period of the year. Spending Christmas in big cities is not the same.

    14. Dragisha says:

      I will try to use some hacks to spend less on Christmas tree this year. I have had some difficulties finding a new job so this Christmas won’t be the happiest one this year.

    15. Milijan says:

      The spirit of upcoming holidays is all around us and yet this year we all feel that something is missing

    16. Brayden says:

      Buying Christmas tree online is maybe the smart solution but this way we are missing all the fun of going together and spending the day to find the perfect Christmas tree.

    17. Cindy says:

      The most important thing during Christmas is spending it with joy and with the loved ones. Expensive trees and decorations are not the most important

    18. Delicia says:

      Cutting off your own tree is always the cheapest option. I do it every year.

    19. Soravia says:

      The Christmas spirit is the most important in these difficult times. Finding a perfect tree and spending the holidays and forget at least for a few days about everything.

    20. Bolivia says:

      My house is very festive during the holidays. Everything is ready from the end of November. I love Christmas and everything connected with it.

    21. Timothy says:

      Holidays are the perfect time for having some fun with the family. Spending a lot of money doesn’t mean perfect holidays

    22. Pierce says:

      We have to save some money and thank you for the wonderful tips. It is very difficult to change some habits but the with the crisis we all have to do it and to forget huge gatherings and expensive presents

    23. Morton says:

      I always negotiate at the tree lot. Sometimes it helps me to save decent amount of money. Especially for not that perfect trees the salesmen offer discounts.

    24. Sally says:

      It is much cheaper to get a tree at the wholesaler. But however you are right, the problem is that not all the wholesalers sell to individual customers or at least have the minimum number of trees that you have to buy

    25. Jackie B says:

      My opinion is that we do not have to spend enormous amount of money on the holidays. Artificial trees are cheaper option and home-made decorations are enough to feel festive and spend the holidays in cheerful atmosphere. Even the cookies and all the food can be prepared at home

    26. Vladan says:

      Celebrating these holidays are in the spirit of Christmas tree. Of course they should be affordable and we do not have to overspend just to enjoy it.

    27. Horacio says:

      I always thought that the holidays are time just for being together with your family.

    28. Ann Maria says:

      I am not fan of Christmas crowds and shopping. But however being together with your family is everything that is worth

    29. Barilo says:

      The best way to obtain a Christmas tree is to cut it off in the nearby forest

    30. Clive says:

      We have a tradition from since we were kids. Our fathers and uncles go to the forest and cut off the trees from there. Then the kids have to decorate them and the mothers prepare the food. I still keep the tradition with my family.

    31. Sadmir says:

      Upcoming holidays are not same as the previous one but however we have to spend them in joy and celebrate with our families

    32. Bartolomey says:

      Great article and nice way to save some money for the upcoming holidays.

    33. Craig says:

      Buying online will save you the trip to the tree lot and you will have it delivered at home.

    34. Mona says:

      I adore Christmas and buying gifts and decoration. I think that artificial tree can not replace the real one. Of course this is only my opinion.

    35. Lisa Ann Bolton says:

      Second hand artificial trees or renting a tree sounds like great options to save some money

    36. Milosh says:

      Nice tips thank you Promoney. I will use some of them but I was already searching the internet to buy a Christmas tree online

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