We love our Christmas trees. A recent survey revealed that of 1,250 respondents, 62% said having a Christmas tree is “very important” to them (sources: Hello Sensible; Wealth of Geeks). Of those half planned to purchase a live tree.
What to look for when buying a live, cut Christmas tree:
• Purchase from a Christmas tree lot, greenhouse or box store. Even some grocers are selling live trees. Support a local business when available.
• Evergreens that make the best Christmas trees are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, white pine, and balsam fir. Trees should be labeled.
• Trees have been held outdoors where temperatures are cool. As trees age, needles will shed. If there is a pool of needles on the ground or if needles rain down when the tree is shaken, pass on it and look for a fresher tree. Another method to check for freshness is to run a hand along the branches. If needles readily fall off, pass on this tree and go for a fresher tree.
Methods for keeping a live Christmas tree fresh:
• Before setting up the tree, cut off the bottom few inches of the trunk. Make a straight cut. A diagonal cut increases the water absorption area but trunks with a straight cut stand upright. Many trees will have been transported long distances and have been out of water for some time. Tissues at the base of the tree will have dried and shriveled, clogging the water conductive tissues. The old, dried tissues must be removed to clear the water transport tissues and facilitate water absorption.
• Place tree in water as soon as possible. Now that dried and shriveled tissues have been removed by cutting off the bottom of the trunk, the water conductive tissues are clear, it is critical to immediately place the bottom of the tree in water. If the tree stays out of water for any length of time, the conductive tissues will clog again.
• Keep the level of the water in the reservoir a few inches above the bottom of the trunk. Do not allow the water level to dry, otherwise a new cut must be made on the bottom of the trunk.
• Keep tree away from a direct heat source or ventilation system. Dry air quickly dries out the needles.
• Place in as cool a spot as possible to reduce transpiration and keep needles full of water.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers
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