Selecting and Caring for Live Christmas Trees

             Trimming the Christmas tree is one of the finest holiday traditions and the very thought of it likely conjures up wonderful memories of time spent with loved ones.  Beautifully decorated trees are the centerpiece of holiday gatherings and there is nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect tree for your home. 

Fresh Christmas trees come in a variety of types, shapes and sizes.  Here is a look at two of the most popular types of Christmas trees in our region.  Revered for their soft, silvery green needles, the Fraser Fir is arguably the perfect Christmas tree.  Fraser Firs have ample spacing between branches making them easier to decorate than many other trees.  Their firm branches hold steady even with the added weight of ornaments and they feature a nearly perfect pyramid-like shape.  A popular alternative to the Fraser Fir is the Balsam Fir.  Balsam Firs are known for their rich dark green color.  Their long-lasting needles are wonderfully aromatic, adding a pleasant fragrance to your home.  With a broad base and narrow spiraling top, Balsam Firs also boast a classic Christmas tree-like shape. 

Once you select your fresh Christmas tree, there are several things you can do to maintain its quality throughout the holiday season.  Displaying your tree in a traditional water reservoir stand is the most effective way to maintain its freshness and minimize needle loss.  Prior to placing your tree in its stand, cut a ½ inch thin disk of wood from the trunk base making sure to cut it perpendicular to the trunk (don’t cut it on an angle or in a v-shape).  Place your tree in water as soon as possible, placing it temporarily in a bucket of water if necessary.  Make sure your stand provides adequate water relative to the size of your tree.  One quart of water per inch of trunk diameter is a good rule of thumb.  You can keep your tree hydrated longer with use of a tree preservative.  Prolong® is a specially formulated preservative that increases your tree’s water intake.  Each 8 oz. bottle makes 4 gallons of solution and is safe for use with children and pets.  Keep your displayed tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces and heating vents.  Check the tree stand daily and make sure the water does not go below the base of the tree.   

Fresh Christmas trees are arriving at our garden center next week Wednesday.  We offer both Fraser Firs and Balsam Firs in a wide variety of heights and sizes.  Stop by and select the tree that is right for your home.        

Source: www.christmastree.org