What Home Depot offers for Christmas trees
Home Depot sells fresh-cut Christmas trees and potted living trees at most locations during the holiday season, typically from November through December. The trees arrive in shipments and are displayed outdoors in a designated lot or garden area. You can walk the lot, pick the tree you want, and bring it to the register to pay — no pre-ordering or special process required.
The selection and availability depend on your location and how far into the season you shop. Early November usually has the widest choice. By mid-to-late December, popular sizes and species sell out, and prices may drop on remaining stock. Home Depot also sells tree stands, lights, ornaments, and other decorations in the same visit.
Prices vary by tree size, species, and your region. A 5-foot tree typically costs less than a 7-foot tree. Potted living trees (which you can plant after the holidays) usually cost more than fresh-cut trees of the same height.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot sells fresh-cut and potted Christmas trees outdoors during November and December at most store locations.
- You select a tree from the lot, bring it to the register, and pay — no reservation or special order needed.
- Early November has the best selection; late December has fewer choices but sometimes lower prices.
- Home Depot can cut the trunk, wrap the tree, and tie it to your vehicle at no extra charge.
- Prices depend on tree height, species, and your location, so call your local store for current pricing.
How to find and select a tree at Home Depot
Walk into your local Home Depot and ask a staff member where the Christmas trees are located. They are always outside, separate from the main building. The trees are usually grouped by size and type — for example, all 6-foot Douglas firs in one section, all 5-foot Frasier firs in another.
Look for a tree with a full shape, green needles that don't fall off when you gently brush your hand along a branch, and a straight trunk. Shake the tree lightly; a few needles will fall, but if many drop, the tree has been sitting too long. Check the bottom of the trunk — it should be freshly cut or have a fresh-cut appearance, not dried out or dark.
If you are unsure about size, stand next to a few trees. A 6-foot tree reaches about eye level on most adults. Bring a measuring tape if you want to be exact, or estimate the space in your home where the tree will stand. Remember that the tree will take up floor space and branch width — a 6-foot-tall tree may be 4 to 5 feet wide at the base.
Getting your tree ready to take home
Once you have chosen a tree, bring it to the registers or to a staff member in the garden area. Home Depot will cut the bottom of the trunk fresh (if it has not been cut recently), wrap the tree in netting to hold the branches tight, and tie it to your vehicle at no extra charge. This makes the tree easier to carry and protects your car and home from branch damage.
If you are driving a truck or SUV with a roof rack, staff can tie the tree down securely. If you are driving a sedan, ask how they recommend securing it — some customers lay the tree flat in the back seat or trunk with the top sticking out slightly. Home Depot staff will show you how to position it safely.
Keep the tree outside or in an unheated garage until you are ready to bring it inside. A tree left in a warm house will dry out faster and drop needles sooner. When you bring it inside, place it in a tree stand filled with water. The tree will drink water over the next few days, so check the water level daily and refill as needed.
Pricing and payment options
Home Depot accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and Home Depot gift cards. Prices are set by location and change throughout the season. Call your local Home Depot garden center or check their website to ask about current tree prices before you go.
Some Home Depot locations offer discounts for military members, seniors, or Home Depot credit card holders — ask at the register. Trees marked down late in December are usually still healthy if they have been watered regularly, so waiting can save money if you are flexible on timing.
What to do if Home Depot is out of stock
If your local Home Depot has sold out of the size or species you want, ask a staff member whether another nearby location has trees in stock. Many Home Depot stores share inventory information, and staff can check for you. You can also call other Home Depot locations directly to ask what they have available.
If all local Home Depot stores are out, you have other options: local Christmas tree farms (which often have a wider selection), grocery stores that sell trees, or garden centers. Some tree farms deliver or will hold a tree for you if you call ahead.
Fresh-cut trees versus potted living trees
A fresh-cut tree is harvested and brought to Home Depot. It lasts four to six weeks indoors if you water it daily. After the holidays, you can recycle it through your city's yard waste program or chip it for mulch. Fresh-cut trees are usually less expensive and take up less space after you are done with them.
A potted living tree comes in soil and can be planted in your yard after the holidays. It costs more upfront but can grow for years. Potted trees are smaller (usually 3 to 5 feet) because larger trees are heavy and hard to move. They dry out faster indoors than fresh-cut trees, so they need water every day or two. If you want to plant it outside, do so in early spring when the ground thaws, not in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Home Depot deliver Christmas trees?
Most Home Depot locations do not offer tree delivery. You buy the tree and take it home yourself. Some stores may have a delivery service for other garden items — ask at the register or call your local store to confirm.
Can I return a Christmas tree if I change my mind?
Home Depot's return policy for Christmas trees varies by location. Some stores allow returns within a set number of days if the tree is in good condition; others do not. Ask about the return policy before you pay, or check your receipt for the policy details.
What size Christmas tree should I buy?
Measure the height of the room where the tree will stand and subtract one foot to leave space for a tree topper and clearance from the ceiling. A 6-foot tree fits most living rooms. If you have a small space, a 4-foot or 5-foot tree works well. Stand next to trees in the lot to see what feels right for your home.
How long will a fresh-cut tree last if I water it?
A fresh-cut tree lasts four to six weeks indoors if you fill the stand with water and refill it every day or two. The tree will drink a quart or more of water per day, especially in the first week. A tree in a warm, dry room or near a heat source will dry out faster and drop needles sooner.
What if the tree I want is too tall for my car?
Home Depot staff can tie the tree to your roof rack or let it extend out the back of your vehicle. If the tree is much longer than your car, ask staff how they recommend securing it. You can also ask them to cut a few inches off the top to make it fit — they have saws on hand and can do this quickly.