Every holiday season, we meet families who walk into Ciro & Sons full of excitement, ready to find “the one.” The perfect Christmas tree usually becomes the heart of the home this time of year, and honestly, helping families with that moment is one of the best parts of what we do. But after years of doing this, we’ve also seen the same challenges come up again and again when people are buying a real Christmas tree, especially here in Central Florida where the heat, humidity, and tighter indoor spaces can make things a little different than what you see up north.
Because we’re family-owned and hands-on, we spend a lot of time not just selling trees but talking with customers, walking them through the process, sharing tips, and helping them avoid headaches. Most of the issues are easy to fix once you know they’re coming. So whether you’re buying a real Christmas tree this year by visiting our Dr. Phillips location or ordering online, here are the five mistakes we see most often when buying a real Christmas tree — and how you can make the whole experience a lot smoother.
Mistake #1: Guessing the Size Instead of Measuring
We can always tell when someone didn’t measure at home, because they walk up to a beautiful nine-footer, fall in love instantly, and then say, “Oh yeah… our ceiling is eight feet.” It happens often. And honestly, when you’re buying a real Christmas tree, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. The trees look magical when they’re standing tall in the lot, and it’s hard not to picture them glowing in your living room.
But the truth is that guessing rarely works. Florida homes can have shorter ceilings or big fans hanging right over the ideal spot. We’ve also had customers forget about the tree topper, which can add almost a foot. Measuring only takes a moment, but it makes choosing the right tree so much more enjoyable. When families come prepared, they tend to relax and take their time, and the moment becomes much more fun.
We’ve even had customers bring in taped-off floor measurements or photos of their space. Those customers always walk away happiest because, when buying a real Christmas tree, planning ahead helps you fall in love with the exact tree that fits your home perfectly.
Mistake #2: Choosing a Tree That Doesn’t Hold Up in Florida
People move to Florida from all over the country, and many come in asking for the tree type they grew up with. But the truth is that not every tree species thrives in our climate. Some varieties look great for a few days but dry out quickly once they feel our air conditioning and lower indoor humidity. Customers often don’t realize how much the Florida environment changes the entire life of a tree.
This is exactly why we only carry USDA Premium Grad Fraser Firs. When customers are buying a real Christmas tree, the Fraser Fir is simply the most reliable choice here. They hold needles better, they drink water well, and their branches stay strong even with heavier ornaments. Fraser Firs also tend to have that classic Christmas fragrance that fills the whole house. Families who have tried other varieties almost always come back the next year saying the same thing: “The Fraser Fir lasted longer and looked better.”
Because we work directly with farmers in Western North Carolina, we see firsthand how much care goes into growing them. We’ve walked the farms ourselves, talked with the growers, and watched the trees being cut. When buying a real Christmas tree, choosing the right species makes all the difference, and for Florida homes, the Fraser Fir simply performs the best.
Mistake #3: Figuring Out Transport at the Last Minute
This one is a bit of a running joke with us. Every year, without fail, someone tries to fit a ten-foot tree into a small sedan. People are excited, they’re buying a real Christmas tree, and in the moment, they think, “We’ll make it work.” And sometimes they do — but not without difficulty.
What most families don’t realize is that how a tree is transported affects how long it lasts. A tree tied loosely to a roof or poking out of a hatchback gets wind-burned, which dries it out fast. Sometimes the branches get bent or rubbed bare. And occasionally, the tree simply doesn’t make it home safely at all.
This is why so many families now choose delivery. When they’re buying a real Christmas tree, having professionals handle the transport removes all the stress. We safely load the trees into our truck, keep them protected the whole way, make a fresh cut, bring them inside, and set then up in the stand. We’ll even place it exactly where you want it and clean up any dropped needles. We’ve carried trees up stairs, through narrow hallways, and into rooms with tight turns, and we’ve seen just about every home layout you can imagine. Delivery isn’t just convenient — it keeps the tree in the best possible condition.
While delivery is perfect if you’re busy or want to avoid the hassle of transporting the tree home yourself, delivery is also a fantastic gift ideal for grandparents, kids at college, busy friends, or just to spread the magic! We offer both doorstep and indoor delivery. So when considering buying a real Christmas Tree, ordering online is a great option.
Mistake #4: Waiting Too Long to Choose a Tree
Every year, sometime around the second week of December, we hear, “Do you have any more nine- to eleven-foot trees?” And most years, the answer by that point is no. When buying a real Christmas tree, the most popular sizes — especially for larger living rooms and two-story spaces — go quickly.
It’s not just tree sizes that fill up early. Ideal delivery slots tend to get reserved first. Something we’ve noticed is that families who buy early usually end up happier with the entire experience. They get their pick of the freshest trees, they get the size and shape they want, and they usually have more flexibility with delivery times. That gives them more time to decorate and enjoy the season.
We’ve even had customers turn tree shopping into a tradition by coming early every year and making a whole day of it. There’s something special about choosing your tree before the holiday rush kicks in — it’s calmer, less stressful, and honestly just more fun.
Remember: we only offer USDA Premium Grade Fraser Firs, which will easily last to and beyond Christmas. When thinking about buying a real Christmas Tree, do not hesitate to get your Christmas Tree from Ciro & Sons early!
Mistake #5: Not Knowing the Basics of Tree Care
Even the freshest tree needs a little attention. A common issue we see is customers forgetting to add water the moment the tree is set in the stand. The first drink is the most important because the trunk seals up quickly. If that happens, the tree won’t be able to take in water the way it needs to, and it’ll dry out much faster.
Another thing we run into is placement. Florida homes often have big sunny windows or strong AC vents, and while those are great for everyday living, they’re tough on a tree. Heat and direct airflow pull moisture from the branches faster than people expect. When buying a real Christmas tree, knowing where to place it can make all the difference in how long it lasts.
Once the tree is set up and watered, most families find that Fraser Firs are easy to maintain. As long as the stand stays full — especially during the first two days — the tree will stay fresh, fragrant, and beautiful. We always tell customers that a little care goes a long way, and it’s true. A well-hydrated tree easily lasts through Christmas and often into the new year.
Whether before or after buying a real Christmas Tree, check out our Christmas Tree Care Instructions for more tips.
We’d Love to Earn Your Business
At the end of the day, buying a real Christmas tree is about more than just selecting something green and tall. It’s about creating a moment your family looks forward to every year. When you plan ahead, choose the right type, take care of transport, and know the basics of care, the whole experience becomes smoother and far more enjoyable.
As a family business, we take pride in helping Orlando families bring home trees that become part of their holiday memories. Whether you pick up your tree at the lot or schedule indoor delivery and setup, we’re here to make sure you end the day smiling — with the perfect Fraser Fir glowing in your home.