In The Garden: Live trees for Christmas
Amy Jordan
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season makes the ease of an artificial Christmas tree attractive. Finding a time that the entire family can get together to select the perfect tree is difficult, and hauling a cardboard box containing a tree down from the attic is what eventually may happen.
Every year my family is faced with the same challenges and I often consider using an artificial tree. But when I think back to the family tradition of picking out our Christmas tree, I change my mind.
My family would pile in the car with the dog, drive to the tree farm, then call to each other across the farm when we found what we thought to be the perfect tree. We would eventually agree on a tree, have our picture taken next to the tree, then Dad would cut it down and we would head home to decorate.
In addition to making selection a family tradition, fresh Christmas trees are enjoyable during the season with their smell and uniqueness (because they all look a little different). Also, they are useful for wildlife while they are growing and when Christmas is over, and the purchase of a fresh Christmas tree supports the horticultural industry.
In 2005, nearly 33 million real Christmas trees were purchased, making the value of this horticultural commodity $1,374 million. Christmas trees are grown as a crop in nearly all 50 states. In 2002, Kansas ranked 24th in production by acres.
Fresh trees can be purchased at Christmas tree farms, or lots with pre-cut trees. Many lots are organized by local service groups, so tree purchases could benefit the community as well.
If a pre-cut tree is being purchased, choose one that feels heavy and has flexible needles that do not pull off the branches easily when tugged on. Re-cut at least 1 inch off the base of the tree and immediately place it in water. If the tree will not be placed in water within 6 hours, re-cut the base again.
Choose a tree stand with a large water reservoir that holds several quarts of water. Check the reservoir often and do not let the water level drop below the base of the tree. A tree may drink a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, and several pints each day after. Plain tap water is sufficient. Place the tree in a cool room, away from heaters, heating vents, fireplaces or stoves.
After Christmas, the tree can be taken to a local collection where the trees will be used for mulch or wildlife habitat.
F Amy Jordan is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Lyon County.