thebestgardentips.comHandy Lawn Maintenance and Fine Gardening Tips

If you’ve never had a real tree for Christmas, consider doing it this year.   From the tradition and fun of taking the family out to pick the perfect tree to the fragrant scent of pine throughout your home through the holidays, there is nothing like a real Christmas tree.  Many large retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot offer nice selections at very reasonable prices, so cost really isn’t an issue.

Make sure you measure the space in which you will keep your tree. Not just the ceiling height but also the diameter and maximum width. Remember to subtract the height of your stand and the tree topper you want to use to get the maximum tree height you can fit. Also clear the space where you’ll put the tree and see how deep it is. Different species are different girths, so you want to be sure you won’t be squishing the branches against the wall.

Just like shopping for fruits and vegetables, you should shop local for the freshest and healthiest tree. Most Christmas trees are cut about 3 to 4 weeks before they arrive on the lot–usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Choosing the right tree is like picking ripe fruit: you should smell and touch the tree.

1.  Choose your Tree Type. The most popular live Christmas trees include Balsam Firs, frazier Firs, Douglas Firs, Scotch Pine, and Colorado Blue Spruce. Each has different price ranges and each offers something unique for your household.  Look for profiles of all of these trees in upcoming posts.  By far, Frazier firs are the most popular choice, but the Douglas Fir and Scotch Pine offer a nice alternative for those on a tight budget.

2. Test the branches. Grab any branch on the tree between your thumb and forefinger, gently clamp down and pull towards yourself. If you end up with a handful of needles, the tree is already past its prime.

2. Crush the needles In your hand and then check the scent. “If the tree doesn’t smell enough, don’t buy it”

3. Bounce the tree. Hold it a few inches above the ground and drop it. If the exterior needles fall off, it’s not healthy.

4. Make sure the tree’s trunk fits your stand. If you have to fit the trunk by trimming the diameter of the tree by cutting away the bark it will strip the tree of its cambium layer, which absorbs water. This is a no no. Get a smaller tree or larger stand.

5.  Get a fresh cut of the trunk. Most retailers offer this service for free.  They simply cut off an inch or so off the bottom of the trunk.  Then, within an hour, be sure and set up your tree in the stand with warm water.   Do this because since these trees were cut weeks ago, the bottom of the trucks have a thick layer of protective sap.  Making a fresh cut and putting it in water right away will dramatically improve water absorption and your tree will easily last through New Year’s Day.