Real Christmas Trees Provide Benefits for Everybody
When I was just a mite, my father had this romantic image of having a sleigh for our horse, Deagon, to carry the family out on a snowy white night with the ringing bells and all to find a Christmas tree. We’d all be singing, of course. You know – the one-horse open sleigh kind of thing. So he found a dilapidated sleigh, fixed it up with a nice red paint job, and added bells. My friend Karen and I took it out for a spin. Long story short: Deagon spooked, took off for the woods, and as we jumped off right before impact – we still disagree as to who stayed on the longest – the horse ended up stuck in between two trees. She was fine, we were fine, but the sleigh with its bells was in splinters. True story.
So, regardless of whether you have a horse and sleigh or not, to many, getting a Christmas tree is the start of seasonal cheer, time with family and traditions. Here are a few Christmas tree shopping pointers which may help you get that perfect tree, especially for first timers or those switching from the PVC models to the real thing. My first hope is that if you’re going to get a real live tree, think local and support your local Christmas tree grower, wherever you may be. For a listing of Christmas trees near you, check out www.mainechristmastree.com for more information. You can plug in your town or Zip Code to get a listing of local farms. This form of farming is just as hard work as any, and the growers deserve our support.
Before you head out to get a tree, some measurements are recommended. Much as you would do before going to a furniture showroom to pick out that new La-Z-Boy, measure the height to your ceiling and subtract the height of your favorite angel tree topper and the height of your stand. A sure sign this was not done is that brown streak on the ceiling. Also, measure the diameter of the stand and think of how wide of an area you are willing to have taken up by the tree. One tree grower I spoke with said he figures that 80% of tree shoppers end up with trees too tall or wide. Have an idea beforehand what you are willing to spend, and a rough idea of what you are looking for, aesthetically. Charlie Brown trees are actually becoming more and more popular.
With measurements in hand, whether you are buying a pre-cut tree or a you-cut tree, treat each candidate with the “fresh” test. If you’re lucky enough to find one in your back 40, freshness will not be a question. It goes without saying that the healthiest and freshest trees sell quickly. But even if you wait, there are ways to test freshness. Pull lightly on the needles; take a sniff. The needles should not come off easily and should smell fragrant. If it’s a pre-cut tree, bump the base on the ground. If only a few needles fall off, you’re good. Also think of your ornaments; are they heavy? If they are, check out the density and strength of the branches to make sure the tree can handle them. The tree should also have a nice vivid green color, and no discoloration.
Once you’ve chosen the, by far, most perfect tree ever, it’s time to bring it home. Transporting with a pickup truck is the low-impact way to get it home – unless you have a horse and sleigh – but always transport it with the butt end facing front. If you don’t, your tree might be a little thinner and wind-driven by the time you get home.Once home, cut an inch or so off the base if the tree is going right into your house. This will open up the pores to take in water. If you’re going to wait, place the tree in a bucket of water and keep it in an unheated space away from wind and cold. When placing the tree inside, it’s best if to keep it out of direct sunlight, and definitely away from heat sources, such as woodstoves, fireplaces, heat vents, lights, candles and radiators. Keep the tree at the very least three feet from any heat source, and allow easy access for watering. Also, don’t block an exit.
A fresh tree can absorb a gallon of water a day, so this can mean at least daily watering if not more often, at first. Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree, or the cut end will seal over and not take in more water. Watering prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and keeps the tree fragrant. Watering also prevents you from having a tall, dry fire hazard in your living space. Don’t add anything to the water; plain is best.
For lights, use UL approved only, and check to make sure the light cords and extension cords aren’t frayed. Keep the number of light strings plugged into each other to a minimum – no more than three for mini-light sets, and make sure the electrical outlets aren’t overloaded with too many plugs. That alone is a major source of fires. Pets are famous for chewing on cords, so make sure Fido and Fluffy behave themselves, or make sure the cords are kept out of reach. For your safety, turn off the lights at night or if you aren’t home.
When to say goodbye to that tree is a personal preference, but it’s definitely time when needles start falling off. I know some who have that baby out the day after Christmas, while others keep it up as long as possible. And then of course, there are those that keep it on the lawn well into summer. I hope these tips help in some way, and I most definitely wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!