Day 6- Tips For Selecting And Caring For Your Live Christmas Tree
Hi and welcome to Day 6 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. There is no right or wrong type of tree to purchase, when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree. It really depends on what you like and what you can find. Having a fresh cut tree is so much better than an artificial tree, any day of the week. However, I understand the convenience of having an artificial tree.
\nHere are some of the most popular conifers grown for Christmas trees:
\nDouglas Firs- Have soft, flat, blue-green needles that are attached singly to the stem.
\nFrasier And Balsam Firs- Have soft, flat, dark green needles marked by silver bands on the undersides.
\nWhite and Scotch pines- Have needles bundled into groups of five (white pine) or two (Scotch pine).
\nColorado Blue Spruce- Have sharp, square needles that are attached singly to the stem.
\nHow To Select A Fresh Tree:
\nYou can be assured of getting a fresh tree if you cut your own tree from a local Christmas tree farm. While this is a cherished family tradition for many, the convenience of purchasing a pre-cut tree is more attractive for others. To check a pre-cut tree for freshness, look for flexible needles that remain firmly attached when you tug on them. All needled evergreens shed their oldest needles every year, so do not be concerned when brown needles fall from the interior of the tree when you knock the base of the tree on the ground. Just make sure they are thoroughly shaken off the tree before taking it indoors. If the needles pull out easily, or if they appear a dull, lifeless green, that tree may be past its prime.
\nHow To Maintain Freshness:
\nMaintaining a high moisture level in the tree is the single most important factor in reducing needle loss and keeping the tree fresh. This is accomplished primarily through the use of water-holding stands and keeping the water level in the stand above the base of the tree. Every year, there are many articles written concerning the handling and care of Christmas trees. Unfortunately, they often contain erroneous information.
\nHow To Maintain Freshness And Aroma Of Your Live Tree:
\n(1). Use a tree stand with an adequate water holding capacity.
\n(2). Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight).
\n(3). Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
\n(4). Monitor your tree for dryness.
\nWhat To Do With Your Tree After The Holidays:
\nWhen you are ready to take your tree down, don\u2019t be in hurry to send it to a landfill. Evergreen boughs make a great mulch for perennial flowering plants that do not tolerate other mulches that can hold excessive moisture around their crowns. They can also be placed on the ground near bird feeders to create a little shelter for ground-feeding birds. Also, many communities have a special pick up or designate a drop off site for Christmas trees. They may hold a big community bonfire or grind the trees into mulch that can be used for the garden in spring.
\nClosing: Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
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