Whether it's your first time buying a Christmas tree or you've
done it dozens of times before, finding the perfect tree can be
challenging. Each tree has it's own special
characteristics that make it suitable for your needs and each
person has their own vision of the perfect tree.
You can cut down your own tree, purchase it at a Tree Lot or
even get a living tree. If you are going to cut your tree
down, you don't need to worry about freshness, but if you are
going to a Tree Lot make sure you pick a tree that is fresh. Of
course living trees need special care too, and we will look at
that in a minute, but first let's give the tree from a lot a ...
WOW! Christmas Eve is only two weeks away. It's time
to get a Christmas tree.
- Make sure the tree has a healthy, green appearance without a large number of dead or browning needles.
- Check the needles, make sure they do not pull off or shake off easily.
- Shake the tree and then pick it up and drop it (only a few inches) and see if a lot of brown needs fall off. A few dried, inner needles may fall, but the outer, green one should not be affected.
- The needles should be flexible, moist, sticky and fragrant when crushed.
- The tree's limbs should be strong enough to support lights and decorations (make sure they are spaced evenly with room for your decorations).
- Be sure they cut the end of the trunk to promote water absorption.
- When you get your tree home, place it in a bucket of water and store it in a cool place for 24 hrs
Jack Eden, a Washington garden expert, published the following formula for fire proofing a fresh cut Christmas tree. When you first bring your Christmas tree home, mix the ingredients in a five gallon painter plastic bucket. Cut the bottom one-half inch off the tree trunk and place the end of the tree in the solution. Put the tree in the bucket in either a sheltered location or in a garage. Be sure to support the tree to eliminate any risk of it toppling over.
This recipe suggests treating your tree for 5 days before you bring it in the house, but if you can't wait that long, use the recipe instead of water while you have it stored for 24 hrs then use the recipe to water the tree while it is inside.
~ Karo Syrup - 16 oz.
~ Liquid Bleach - 4 oz.
~ Vinegar (any type) - 2 oz.
~ Woolite - 2 oz.
~ 20 Mule Team Borax - 1/2 teaspoon
Living Christmas trees are unique and should receive special care. The root balls are often heavy and cumbersome and it is important that they are not mistreated or dropped. Balled and burlapped trees should not be carried by their stems, because the weight of the root ball can exert pressure on the roots and break them. It is best to pick the tree up by the ball itself or to roll the ball along the ground.
Once the tree is home, it should be conditioned before being brought into the warm house. Leaving the tree upright in the garage for a couple of days should be do the trick.
When you bring your tree indoors, place it in a cool location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as wood stoves, fireplaces, or heater vents.
These trees will also need water, but not nearly as much as cut trees. Before you move the tree inside, the root ball should be moistened and then kept in a moist condition while the tree is displayed. Place the root ball in a bucket or a large pan to prevent soil and water from staining the floor.
Living Christmas trees are sensitive and should not be kept inside for more than 10 days. Before you take the tree outside, recondition it by putting it back in the garage for a couple of days, then it should be ready to be taken outside and planted.
© 2004-2005 - Cathy