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Caring for Trees ☃ Tree Types ☃
How to Care for a Living Christmas Tree
Preparing the Trunk
- Cut about half an inch of wood from the base of the trunk. Cut horizontally perpendicular to the tree's trunk.
- Try to keep the base as clean as possible after cutting.
- Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
Choosing a Stand
- Traditional reservoir type stands are the best for preserving trees and reducing needle loss.
- Choose a stand that fits the tree trunk. Avoid cutting sides of trunks to get the tree to fit into a stand.
- The stand must be able to hold an adequate water supply. Stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
Water
- Place the tree in water as soon as possible after cutting the trunk base (6-8 hours without water max).
- The temperature of the water is not important, it does not affect water uptake.
- Monitor the water level daily. The base of the tree should be submerged in water at all times.
Location
- Keep trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight).
- Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
Decorations
- Use miniature lights that produce low heat (reduces drying of the tree).
- Inspect light sets before hanging on tree, make sure there are no loose wires.
- Do not overload electrical circuits.
- Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
- Avoid using heavy decorations, they bend branches and cause needles to fall.
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Types of Christmas Trees
The christmas tree is an essential icon of the holiday season. When purchasing your christmas tree you will notice many different brands available for purchase. Here is some additional information about the top five christmas tree species (as chosen by the National Christmas Tree Association).
Voted #1 - Fraser Fir
Known as the "Cadillac of Christmas Trees", Fraser Fir trees are the most popular Christmas tree in the nation. These trees originate from high altitudes in the Appalachian Mountains and have a distinct pyramidal shape. They are generally a dark green. Fraser Firs have sturdy branches that curve slightly upward, giving good tree form. Their branches have the ability to hold heavy ornaments. Fraser Firs are known for their soft and short needles, pleasant aroma and their excellent needle retention.
Voted #2 - Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir christmas trees are one of the most commonly used species in the United States. They are noted for their dense and bushy shape. They have fine and soft green needles that grow between 1 to 1.5 inches long. Douglas Firs have a distinct pine-like scent, which seems to last throughout the entire Christmas season. These trees have sturdy branches and a classic uniform Christmas tree shape, making them perfect for hanging decorations, including large numbers of Christmas tree lights.
Voted #3 - Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir christmas tree grow in the high altitudes of the United States. They are more delicate and attractive trees. Their flexible branches are appealing, but cannot support large weights or heavy ornaments. The Balsam Fir is a dark green color, has good needle retention and gives of a pleasant fragrance for your home.
Voted #4 - Colorado Blue Spruce
Colorado Blue Spruce, or blue spruce, are known for their distinct bluish-white color. Blue spruces have a natural symmetrical form and excellent needle retention (among the best for spruces). They are great trees for ornaments due to their sturdy branches. Their needles are 1 to 1.5 inches long, with a very sharp point on the end, they emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. Nonetheless Colorado Blue Spruce trees are becoming a popular choice for Christmas trees.
Voted #5 - Scotch Pine
Scotch Pine trees originated in Scotland and were brought to the United States. They are historically the most popular Christmas tree in the United Sates. Scotch pines are known for their dense foliage and conical shape, making them an excellent backdrop to Christmas tree decorations. The Scotch Pine branches are very sturdy and can hold heavier ornaments. Needles are dark green, about 2 inches in length and can be sharp. Scotch Pine trees have good needle retention, even when the tree becomes dry. Scotch pines have a strong pine fragrance that lasts throughout the season.☃ Back to Top ☃
