Whether or not you have your Christmas tree up yet, here are some tips for those who have or will have a real tree gracing their holiday homes this year.
Local tree farms offer you the choice of a choose-and-cut tree or a pre-cut tree. When you cut your own, you know that it is totally fresh. If you purchase a pre-cut tree, it is nice to do so from a local farmer’s market. These agribusinesses often offer holiday activities and food in addition to helping you select the perfect real tree. This is a wonderful way to support local agriculture and local growers.
When selecting a pre-cut tree, perform a pull test to check if it is fresh. Gently pull the end of a branch with your thumb and forefinger, Michigan State University says. If the tree is fresh, it will hold onto all the needles. If the pull results in a loss of needles, the tree is likely not fresh, so keep looking.
Keep your fresh-cut or pre-cut tree hydrated when you get home. If you cannot put it up right away, store it in a garage or protected unheated space with the cut end in a bucket of water until you are ready to take it inside.
If you haven’t put up a real tree recently or ever, the process of putting it in the stand and getting it straight can be daunting. Michigan State University says a “pin” or “spike-type” tree stand can be very helpful. Some tree lots and choose-and-cut farms will drill the bottom of the tree with specially designed drills to match the pin on this type of stand. This ensures that the tree will stand straight.
For traditional, screw-in stands, you will need more than one person to get the job done. Keep the baling twine on the tree and place the tree in the stand before setting the tree upright. One person can adjust the screws while another person holds and adjusts the trunk. A third set of eyes for confirming the tree is straight is also helpful.
Plan where you will place your tree in your home before hunting for the perfect evergreen. Keep it away from heat sources to help it last longer. Placing it near an electrical outlet is helpful. Make sure you have adequate floor space and ceiling height for the tree you want. Don’t depend on eyeballing it – measure the height of your ceiling before you go, and measure the tree before you purchase it. Remember, placing the tree in a stand can increase its height.
When it’s time to take down your tree, remove any remaining water from the tree stand. Michigan State University recommends a turkey baster or a large sponge to help with this. Place a bed sheet on the floor and lay the tree on it, wrapping the sheet around the tree to help contain loose needles as you remove it from your house.
After that, you can cut up your tree and use it to mulch garden beds, recycle it if your community has recycling options, stand it outside on a stake, or simply lay it flat in a protected area to act as protection and shelter for birds. You can also ask friends and neighbors with livestock if they would like your tree. Goats are an example of one animal that can eat evergreen trees – just make sure ALL decorations are removed and your tree has not been treated with harmful chemicals.
Concolor fir is a popular choice for a real Christmas tree. It has soft needles with a blueish tinge. Photo by Kristina Gabalski.
