Need a little guidance on finding a Christmas tree and keeping it fresh? Well here you go…
-Check out the National Christmas Tree Association to find a farm nearby. Bierman’s Christmas Tree Farm, Midland Holiday Pines LLC, Longbranch Christmas Tree Ranch, and Wilderson Tree Farm are some local options.
-When you run your hand through a branch, make sure the needles don’t easily fall off or that branches break easily. This means the tree is too dry so it isn’t a good option to purchase. Onto the next!
-Whether you are chopping down the tree at a farm or are buying a pre-cut one, make sure the trunk is cut straight across to insure even water absorption and that it sits in the stand easily.
-The tree needs to go into water immediately. If it hasn’t been put in water within 6 to 8 hours since the initial cutting, it will need to be cut again before it goes in water. A freshly cut truck absorbs water more efficiently.
-Fresh trees require up to a gallon of water a day. Larger trees will need more.
Be sure to check your tree every day. Watering is the most important aspect of keeping your tree fresh for as long as possible. Water, water, water!
-Types:
-Fraser Fir- Good fragrance with deep green needles on top and silvery white needles on the bottom. It’s slender in shape and is the best for ornaments because of branch spacing.
-Douglas Fir- Has a pyramidal shape with blue to dark green needles. It is great for a late season purchase.
-Noble Fir- With its cool blue-green color and dense branches, it has the most classic look.
-Leyland Cypress- Has very low maintenance but it isn’t very fragrant. It tends to be very popular in the South-East. It has dark green and gray needles and produces no sap.
-Concolor Fir- The most fragrant with a very narrow shape and holds its needles well.
-Scotch Pine- Has a conical shape and holds its needles well, which makes it one of the most popular choices for the holidays. Its bright green color will stay even when it’s dry.
-White Pine- These blue-green soft needles don’t fall easily but aren’t ideal for heavy ornaments. It also is not very fragrant.
*There are many more types that can be found in the Fir, Pine, Spruce, Cypress, and Cedar families.
-Happy decorating and remember, discard responsibly!
