Selecting and Caring for Your Tree
Selecting a real Christmas tree at a "Choose and Cut" tree farm can be a fun experience for the whole family, especially when you know what to look for in choosing a quality tree. Whatever type of tree you may prefer, the following are a few suggestions to help in selecting and caring for your real Christmas tree.
First, measure your ceiling height, and remember to subtract the height of the stand and any tree top ornament when choosing the size of your tree. Make sure to measure the tree you select; do not guess - they always look smaller in the field.
When you find a tree you like, do a freshness test. Gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. Very few green needles should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh. Remember, the freshest tree you can buy is one you watch being cut!
Next, take a look at the ground around the tree. Some interior loss of old growth brown needles is normal and will occur over the lifetime of the tree. You should not see excessive amounts of green needles on the ground however. All evergreen trees shed needles from inner branches and these often lodge in the interior of the tree. Do not confuse these old growth needles as signs of a stale tree.
Everyone looks for the "perfect"tree but keep in mind that a flat side may be helpful fitting a tree closer to a wall and minimizes the need for pruning. Mother Nature tends to leave the north side of trees less full.
Once you have bought a real tree, do not shorten its life of beauty by neglecting its care. If you do not intend to trim the tree right away, keep it in water in a cool location, out of the wind. A garage or storage shed would be ideal. Out of water, the tree sap will tend to seal the cut and prevent water from being drawn up into the branches.
The most important thing you can do for your tree’s freshness is, just before placing it in the stand, cut off at least half an inch from the bottom of the trunk. This new cut will allow the tree to absorb water easier. Using hot water initially will increase water absorption by as much as 50%. The addition of additives to the water has questionable value according to studies published in Christmas tree trade journals.
Use a tree stand with a generous water reservoir. A tree can drink up to a gallon of water a day, depending on its size. By all means, check the water level daily. This will help keep the needles from drying out and the branches from drooping.
Do not allow the room temperature to become too warm, as this can also dry out the tree more quickly. In addition, keep your tree away from heat and draft sources such as fireplaces, radiators and television sets. Test your light cords and connections before hanging them on the tree to make sure they are in good working order. You don't want to use cords with cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets. Also, some lights give off significant heat, so be sure to unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house.
Sensible precautions such as these will help preserve the unique beauty and tradition only a real Christmas tree can provide.
Automatic Tree Watering System
Tired of crawling under the tree to refill the stand? Tired of spilling water from the pitcher onto the carpet or floor? Ever let the tree go without water because you forgot to check the water level? Try this easy to make automatic tree watering system.
All that is required is a standard one-gallon plastic milk jug, a rubber (or cork) stopper to fit the jug, and a length of plastic tubing (1/8" to 1/4", size not critical, usually available at hardware or aquarium supply stores). First, drill two holes in the stopper, one of which should be the size of the tubing OD. Size of the second hole is not important.
Fill the jug with water, and insert the tubing through the stopper hole with length to reach the bottom of the jug. Place the other end of the tubing into the tree stand with enough length to reach the bottom.
Close the open hole of the stopper with your finger and squeeze the plastic jug. This forces water into the tubing and into the stand. Remove you finger and water will flow by siphon action into the stand.
The water level in the jug will be the same level as in the stand. Since you can see the level in the jug, it can be easily refilled when the water is down to 1 to 1 ½ inches from the bottom. After refilling the jug, repeat the squeeze procedure to restart the siphon. Note: When removing the tube from the jug, raise the tubing higher than the stand to prevent water from siphoning back onto the floor.
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday
