Christmas Tree Selection & Care

Once you decide which christmas tree farm you are going to use then you need to arm yourself with some knowledge so you can select the perfect christmas tree and know how to take care of it once you get it home. I am going to enlighten you on the subject so read on.

Going to a choose-and-cut christmas tree farm can be the most wonderful family outing. Chances are the farm will have free apple cider, hot cocoa and perhaps some candy canes for the kid in all of us.

The one we used last year even had horse drawn carriage rides for a small fee.

Selecting the Perfect Tree

I think it is a good idea to have a good idea of where the tree is going in your home before heading out to choose and cut one. That way you will know how tall you want it or how big around or if it is going in a corner you may be able to select a tree with a sparse area on one side for a discounted price.

Most of the trees grown in Oklahome farms are either Virginia pine or scotch pine but could possibly be another variety.

Look for a tree that is as symetrical as possible and has the best shape.. look for trees that are lush and green with no brown needles.

Some farms will spray the trees with a green colored die to make the trees look better than they really are and could be hiding dead areas or very dry needles which will soon die and fall off.

When you find the tree you like.. break off a needle and check for a little sap at the break. It should also have a pine fragrance and not be brittle.

Choose a tree that has limbs strong enough to hold the lights and ornaments which can be quite heavy and bend down the branches.

My main suggestion is to choose your tree early so you will have a better chance at getting a good choice of trees before they are all picked over.

Caring for the Tree

Most likely the christmas tree farm will wrap the tree in plastic netting and will perhaps help you tie it onto the top of your car or secure it in your vehicle somehow.

Drive carefully and make sure the tree gets safely home.

Once home you will need to get the tree down in water as soon as possible.

If you are going to set it up right away then get a christmas tree stand that has a water pan and attach the tree to the stand following the manufacturers instructions.

Most stands have 4 eye bolts which screw against the tree on 4 sides to hold it secure.

Make sure the tree is standing directly upright and feel the pan with lukewarm tap water.

You will want to check the water level every day and make sure the water pan stays full to maintain a healthy tree until christmas.

A christmas tree can use up to a gallon of water per day.. to minimize drying out do not place the tree next to heaters, vents, or other heat sources.

If the tree seems to stop using water then it may have gotten dry and may become unable to absorb water through its trunk.

If this happens you will need to remove the tree from its stand and cut off the bottom inch or two from the tree to help it regain its ability to absorb the much needed water.

Using these tips you will have a wonderful, great smelling christmas tree that will last until christmas day and beyond.

Please contact me with further tips, comments and/or questions.

Looking for a local christmas tree farm in the Tulsa area? Check out our christmas tree farm directory for the latest resources.

 

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