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Wednesday, December 5, 2001 Christmas tree care don't forget the memories My son Bill's 19th birthday is Dec. 3. For each of the past 18 years, we have selected our Christmas tree on his birthday. As part of his birthday, Bill gets the final say on what tree we bring home for the holidays. This year will be no exception. As a family we will load into the car and drive to one of the many fresh Christmas tree lots, or choose and cut Christmas tree farms located in the county. Bill always takes this job very seriously so we usually end up looking at every tree available. After considerable time he will narrow his choices to three or four trees. Then these are carefully compared two or three times. He will finally make his choice and with agreement from his mother and brothers we will take the centerpiece of our holiday decorations home. After getting the tree home, my job is to make sure it stands up straight in the tree stand. This usually take two or three attempts before it passes the family inspection for true straightness. Then we spend the rest of the night decorating the tree and eating our favorite holiday snacks. The memories our family creates each year with this tradition are priceless. This tradition has added a special moment for our family each Christmas as we remember each special Christmas tree. As you and your family go out to choose your tree, there are some specific factors that you should know for selecting and caring for your tree.
Selecting a tree Check the height of the ceiling in the room where you will display your tree. Select a tree at least one foot shorter than the ceiling height. Run your fingers over a branch. The needles should be pliable and adhere to the branches. They should bend, not break or fall off. Shake the tree. If the tree is fresh, few needles should fall off. Some loss of the needles inside the tree is common. Avoid trees that have a wilted look. Make sure the tree is straight. The handle (the lower part of the stems that has no branches on it) should be at least eight to ten inches long to pace in the tree stand. Check for insects and dead needles inside the crown of the tree. Have dead needles shaken or blown out when you buy the tree.
Caring for your tree If you don't plan to put your tree up right away, cut one inch off the base and put the tree in a bucket of water in a shady place. When you bring your tree indoors, cut one half inch to one inch off the base and put it in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Do not place the tree near any heat sources. Always keep the tree well supplied with water. Trees use several quarts of water a day. If the water falls below the base of the tree, the cut end can seal over, preventing further water uptake. This can cause the tree to dry up prematurely. To cure this, a fresh cut at the base must be made. Adding aspirin, soda water, or sugar to the water in the tree stand does not keep the tree fresher. Add plain water each day.
If you have questions concerning your Christmas tree, such as how to take care of a balled and burlap tree, or how to get insects out of them once the tree is indoors, remember the Fayette County Extension Service can offer helpful advice. Our office number is 770-460-5730, ext. 5412. I hope that you are able to find that special tree and that it will bring as much enjoyment and memories to your family through out the holiday season as our tree does. Sheldon Hammond Fayette Co. Extension Agent
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