How Long Island families can get the best tree of the season — and keep it fresh through Christmas.
As the holiday season begins, many families wonder whether it’s safe — or even wise — to buy their Christmas tree early. The good news is yes, you can absolutely buy a tree in late November and enjoy a fresh, beautiful tree through Christmas Day.
At Zaino’s Nursery, we carry only Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir — the two longest-lasting, most fragrant, and most resilient Christmas tree varieties available. With the right care, both can thrive indoors for 4–6 weeks, making them perfect for early shoppers.
Below, we’ll break down the top reasons to buy your tree early, along with expert strategies for keeping your tree fresh from the day you take it home to Christmas morning.
🎄 Why Buy Your Christmas Tree Early?
1. You get the best selection.
Early shoppers get first pick of:
- the fullest trees
- the straightest trunks
- the most symmetrical shapes
- premium height options
Both Fraser and Balsam Firs arrive fresh from the farm, and the earliest days of the season offer the widest variety to choose from.
2. Fraser & Balsam Firs are built to last.
Unlike spruces or other varieties, Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir are known for exceptional needle retention, even indoors.
- Fraser Fir: The longest-lasting Christmas tree you can buy; soft needles, strong branches, and excellent hydration.
- Balsam Fir: Highly fragrant, flexible branches, and proven to stay fresh with proper care.
This means a tree purchased before Thanksgiving can still look beautiful well into Christmas week.
3. Avoid the mid-December rush.
Lines get longer, lots get busier, and selection narrows as Christmas approaches. Buying early means:
- you avoid crowds
- you get the tree you actually want
- you get more time to decorate and enjoy your home
For many families, picking the tree early becomes part of the holiday fun.
4. Trees stay fresher outside than you think.
If you want to buy early but aren’t ready to bring the tree indoors, a Fraser or Balsam can be stored outdoors for 1–2 weeks with no issue — as long as you do it right (see below).
Cold temperatures preserve moisture and keep the tree dormant until you’re ready.
🌲 How to Keep Your Tree Fresh Until Christmas
Whether you bring your tree inside immediately or store it for a week or two, these strategies ensure your tree lasts beautifully.
🎄 Option 1 — Set It Up Indoors Right Away
(This is the most common.)
- Make a fresh cut (½ inch from the base).
- Place the tree immediately into a stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water.
- Check the water twice daily for the first 48 hours — fresh trees drink a lot at first.
- Keep the tree away from heating vents, fireplaces, and radiators.
- Maintain consistent water levels; never let the stand run dry.
A well-cared-for Fraser Fir or Balsam Fir will last comfortably for 4–6 weeks indoors.
🎄 Option 2 — Buy Early but Store Outdoors Before Decorating
Many families choose their tree early, then wait until December to set it up inside.
To store it properly:
- Keep it outdoors in a cool, shaded area (north side of the house is ideal).
- Stand it upright in a bucket of water if possible.
- Leave it wrapped in netting to minimize moisture loss.
- Keep it off hot surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
- Make a fresh cut right before bringing it indoors.
Cold temperatures outside help the tree remain dormant and hydrated until you’re ready.
🌲 Fraser Fir vs. Balsam Fir: Which Lasts Longer?
Fraser Fir
- Best needle retention
- Strong, upward-angled branches (great for heavier ornaments)
- Slight citrus-pine fragrance
- Typically lasts 5–6 weeks indoors
Balsam Fir
- Classic Christmas fragrance (strong and sweet)
- Soft, flexible needles
- Great indoor hydration
- Typically lasts 4–5 weeks indoors
Both varieties sold at Zaino’s are known for exceptional freshness and long life when cared for properly.
🎄 Final Thoughts: Yes — Buying Early Is Smart.
If you select a fresh tree and follow proper care, a Fraser Fir or Balsam Fir purchased in late November will stay healthy and beautiful well through Christmas. Whether you decorate right away or store your tree for a week or two, early buying offers the best selection, the longest enjoyment, and the least holiday stress.
🌲 Visit Zaino’s Nursery for the Freshest Trees on Long Island
Our premium Fraser & Balsam Firs are fresh, full, fragrant, and ready now.
📍 900 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, NY
📞 516-333-7097
🌐 https://www.zainos.com