I am a little bit of a traditionalist when it comes to decorating for Christmas. I like a real Christmas tree, and you aren’t supposed to start decorating until December 1 (or at least until after Thanksgiving). Controversial holiday decorating opinions aside, hopping for a live Christmas tree is so much fun! I have a few pro tips for keeping your tree fresh throughout the Christmas season.
Selection: Christmas trees come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to measure your space where the tree will be kept. Consider the diameter of the base of the tree as well as the height.
Check your tree for freshness. The needles should be fresh and flexible and should not come off in your hand. The branches should also be pliable. The tree is too dry if the needles and branches are brittle. Shake your tree well outside before you bring it into the house to remove any dry needles inside. It wouldn’t hurt to check for bugs if you cut your own tree from a Christmas tree farm.
A live Christmas tree is very easy to keep fresh for several weeks. The most important rule is to supply plenty of water. A traditional reservoir type tree stand is the best way to display your tree and maintain freshness. Be sure it will hold plenty of water. As a rule, stands should provide one quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Check the water level daily. Once a tree gets dry, it has a hard time taking up new water when you refill the reservoir.
Use a stand that fits your tree and avoid whittling down the sides or drilling holes in the trunk. When you bring your tree home, cut a half inch disc off the bottom of the trunk and place it in water as soon as possible.
Keep your tree away from major sources of heat such as fireplaces and heat vents. Lower the temperature of the room and use lights that produce low heat to slow the drying process. Always inspect your lights before you place them on the tree and be careful not to overload the electrical circuits.
Christmas tree farms provide a really fun opportunity to cut a live tree, usually while you enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas sweets. It’s also a great way to support a local farmer! Most Christmas tree farms in our area grow Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress trees, and they usually offer other pre-cut varieties like Frasier Fir.
I hope you enjoy the holiday season and have a fun time decorating your Christmas tree! For more information about lawn and garden topics, contact Kate Whitney, Williamson County Extension Horticulturalist, at 512-943-3300.
