Christmas Tree Handling and Care
“Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, thy leaves are so
unchanging”
Christmas trees are a staple of the holiday season. We have
options of purchasing a real tree or an artificial one, but for the purposes of
this blog, we will focus on real trees straight from Mother Earth.
So where do we get one, how do we get it to our homes, and
how do we handle it with care?
Well, I am so glad you asked!
Tip #1: Do your research
There are so many places to purchase a Christmas tree. Here are a few:
·
The National Christmas Tree Association has a
search engine that provides you with a list of tree farms and lots near you.
·
There are choose-and-cut farms, where you can pick
out a tree, and an attendant cuts it down for you, or you might also be lucky
enough to cut it down yourself!
Wherever you choose to get your tree, ask the attendant as
many questions as you can about the tree species, care, and ask them to shake
the tree for you. If the pine needles fall off, that means the tree is dry and may
need a resurrection. Usually, they are able to cut the trunk, and possibly put
it in the stand before you walk off of the lot with it.
So you’ve done your research and picked out a tree, now
what?
Tip #2: Find a friend or family member to help you transport
it to your house
It’s always possible to do it by yourself, but it’s much
more efficient when you have help.
So once you strap it on the roof of your compact car or in
the back of a friend’s pickup truck, it’s time to lug it inside to spend hours
decorating it with colorful ornaments, while singing Christmas Carols and
drinking egg nog (or not).
So, the lights are on, ornaments are shining, the angel is
smiling on top of your tree, now what?
Well, of course you have to invite friends and family over
to indulge in your freshly baked cookies, while snapchatting near your
Pinterest-worthy Christmas tree.
But first, before all of the festivities, remember that the
tree is thirsty!
Tip #3: Feed your tree clean water
Maintaining the water content in the tree is crucial to the
care and handling of your tree. Most Christmas Tree stands should hold at least
1 gallon of water. In one week, a freshly cut tree will imbibe a large amount
of water fairly quickly, so it is important that you replenish the water supply
daily. And stay away from additives, because they are not imperative to tree
maintenance.
Fun fact: The outer layers of wood should not be removed
because they are responsible for soaking up the necessary amount of water to
keep the tree fresh and healthy.
Tip #4: Keep your tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and
direct sunlight
There is nothing worse than a dry tree, or even worse is a
tree that catches on fire. So, please keep your tree away from dangerous heat
sources. It would also be beneficial to keep room temperatures on low to
prevent fast drying.
Fun Fact: You may use any temperature of water to feed your
tree. It has little to no effect on the tree’s water consumption.
Hope this blog was helpful, and remember, just like you need
water for survival, so does your tree!
Happy Holidays!
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