The Christmas season is here and a lot of folks will be selecting a live tree this year. There are some simple guidelines to follow to get the most life and beauty from your tree.
First, look for a tree that has branches and needles that are limber and pliable, not dry or brittle. Make sure your tree is fresh smelling and very fragrant. A tree that has sour or musty smell or readily losing its needles when you shake it is a good indication that the tree has most likely been cut for a good while. Next, look for a tree the right height and don’t buy a tree too tall. Be sure to check and make sure that the bottom of the trunk is long enough to fit in the stand. If the bottom is not long enough, some of the lower limbs may have to be removed, thus changing the appearance and shape of the tree.
Now that you have selected your tree, there is the chore of getting it home. If you are transporting the tree more than a mile, it is recommended to wrap the tree in a tarp or protective covering. Most tree lots nowadays have those net bags to wrap their trees for transport. Now that you have your tree bagged, load your tree with the base to the front of the vehicle and tie it down securely.
When you get home, cut a slice one half inch thick from the bottom of the trunk immediately before placing your tree in the stand. Make sure the stand is large enough to accommodate the tree and do not shave the sides of the trunk to make it fit. Be sure that the stand has an adequate water reservoir and always fill it with cold clear water. A fresh cut tree will average one to three quarts of water a day, depending on the size of your tree. A rule of thumb is a tree will use about a quart of water per one inch of trunk diameter per day. Clean, clear, and cold water is the best solution for your tree, you do not need chemical additives to make your tree last longer. Do not use water retaining crystals or gels in the tree stand as they can cause lack of water uptake.
Keep your tree away from heat sources and if you can lower the temperature in the room, it will slow the drying process and help the tree use less water. Use only UL approved lights and extension cords to prevent fire hazards. Be sure and hang ornaments securely to prevent them from falling off or being knocked off easily. Turn lights off when going to bed or leaving home for safety.
If you have pets, consider placing your tree in a room that they do not have access to unless you are home to supervise them. Cats do like to climb in trees especially if another pet is chasing them. Dogs, well trees are fair game for them and cats and dogs think that hanging ornaments are toys for their enjoyment.
When Christmas is over and it is time to remove the tree, take care to remove all ornaments and lights. Carefully siphon any water from the stand and lay tree on its side on an old sheet, blanket, or tarp and remove the stand. Wrap the tree and take outside for disposal. Never burn your tree in the fireplace or wood heater as the sap can cause a flash or even clog the chimney and cause a fire. There are recyclers who will pick up your tree to keep them out of the land fill. Some farmers will take them to put in their ponds for the fish to hide in. Another place is to take your tree to your city mulch yard if it has one.
The guidelines for a live tree that you intend to plant after the Christmas season are basically the same as a cut tree. Be sure and buy your live tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm.
Now that you are armed with all this information on selecting a cut or live Christmas tree, “Let the Hunt Begin.”
If you have any questions or comments, send me an email at colorsbytim@hotmail.com or leave me a message at the Union County Extension Office at 662-316-0088.
Happy Gardening and keep digging in the dirt.
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