It could be weeks before a properly watered and maintained tree becomes dry, but others that are not can pose more of a fire hazard to their homes than intended. The needle drop test is probably the best you can do to determine which trees are freshest before purchasing.
The Simple Shake Test
Grab the trunk and give it a hard bounce on the ground, or grab a branch in your hand and pull down with gentle pressure toward its tip. A fresh tree will shed a few needles, perhaps a handful of brown interior needles, which is fine. The tree is already drying up if many green needles fall out. For Real Christmas Trees Leicester, contact https://welfordchristmastreefarm.co.uk/
Visual Inspection Clues
New needles will look a shiny green (or blue-green colour depending on the variety). Lightly bending should feel flexible and not brittle. Ageing is shown when needles turn brown/yellow or bend and crack, quickly indicating that the tree has drunk its last water.
The Trunk Tell
Examine the end of the trunk that has been cut. A fresh cut is pale coloured and may be a little sticky to the touch from sap. A tree that is hard, brittle and has dark cuts means it was sitting too long. The trunk must not be soft or hollow.
Branch Flexibility Test
Small branches should bend gently and without breaking. If one can break most of a small branch between two fingers means that it’s dry.
Professional Tip
If possible, buy a freshly cut tree. Many tree lots make fresh cuts daily on their inventory. Find out when it was cut and if they will make a fresh trunk cut before you take home. Doing this simple step can add days to the life of your tree.
