Selecting And Caring For Your Christmas Tree Properly For A Happy Holiday
Selecting a Christmas tree is a big deal for most families. There can be a lot of pressure to get the perfect tree for one’s family room. Too big and it won’t fit, too small and it won’t look right. And then there is making sure it will last through at least new year’s eve.
Selecting The Perfect Christmas Tree
Measure the ceiling height of the room where the tree will be. This may seem rather obvious but it is surprising how many people being home the wrong size tree. Decide on what kind of tree to purchase. The most common types are Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, White Pine, Scotch Pine and Norway Spruce.
Check the resilience of the needles by gently grasping a branch 6” from the tip. Pull your hand to the tip of the branch. The needles should not fall off in your hand.
The tree should have a nice fragrance and good vibrant color. This means that the tree has maintained its moisture.
The branches of the tree should be strong enough to hold up the ornaments and lights.
Caring For The Prefect Christmas Tree
Of course, the first step in caring for one’s tree is to select a healthy one by following the steps above. When transporting the tree home, make sure it is tied up or wrapped securely as to not damage the limbs or dry out the needs.
If the tree is being transported home on top of the car, point the bottom of the tree forward. This should go without saying – tie the tree securely so it does not fall off of the car.
Before standing the tree up at home, cut 1” off the bottom of the trunk. This fresh cut will better allow the tree to take up water. Many Christmas tree sellers will do this for you at the time of purchase.
Choose a tree stand that will securely hold the size of the tree purchased. It should have a large enough water reservoir to supply at least 24 hour’s worth of water for the tree to absorb. Fresh trees use about 1 quart of water per day per inch of trunk diameter. Use only cold water in the reservoir and do not add any chemicals.
Disposing Of The Christmas Tree After The Holidays
Monitor the dryness of the tree and dispose of it before it gets too dry. Dry trees are a fire hazard.
Do not burn the tree in the fireplace. Conifers (pines, firs and spruces) have a lot of sap which can flash and cause a chimney fire.
Do not dump the tree on the side of the road or in a vacant lot. That’s just rude.
Many municipalities have curb side pick available for trees after the holidays. They will chip up the trees and recycle the wood chips.
