Christmas trees of good quality this year

With a wet spring followed by a moderate summer and mild fall, the quality of local Christmas trees for 2003 is rated from good to excellent with good availability in all sizes and types. For the Rochester region, Christmas tree sales got off to a slow start on the weekend of November 29, mostly due to wet and snowy weather. Sales are expected to pick up dramatically for the next two weekends.

For many consumers, Firs such as Balsam, Fraser, Concolor and Douglas are popular choices and have soft needles that hold well and have excellent fragrance. Reportedly, the Concolor Fir, with its whitish needles, is less of an allergen, and might be a tree of choice for people that normally cannot tolerate live trees.

White, Blue and Norway Spruces also make good Christmas trees, although not as fragrant as a Fir tree, they have solid branches that can hold heavy ornaments. The Blue Spruce is popular and has a bluish color, but has sharp needles that can make decorating a distressing job, but is a great way to keep pets and small children from playing with the tree.

Often overlooked, Pines such as Red, Scots and Austrian Pine also have solid branches and good fragrance. These Pines tend to be less dense which is ideal for large ornaments. The White Pine tends to have very soft branches and bend with heavy decorations, but it has a very soft look and illuminates quite well.

Potted Christmas trees tend to be popular among younger households and are live trees that should be planted outside after the holidays. Much smaller than a cut tree, the soil ball containing the root system will make for a much heavier tree to handle. Ideally, the tree should not be sheared like a cut tree since this will cause dense growth.

Most potted trees are planted in January when the ground is frozen. So it is important to dig a hole when the ground is warmer. Ideally, the hole should be two to three times the diameter of the soil ball, and no deeper than the ball's height. Keep the dug soil in a garage or cellar to keep it from freezing. Before planting, the tree will need to be conditioned to the colder temperatures again, so store in a cool place for a few weeks then move outside.

Christmas tree pointers

  • Make sure the tree fits your home. Measure the ceiling height to make sure the tree along with the tree topper will fit.
  • Select a tree with a straight trunk and is not split into two.
  • Grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull. Fresh trees have very few needles that will fall off and the branches will be supple and spring back. Inspect the branches for any animal life, insect activity, or other undesirable objects.
  • Pick up the tree, a heavy tree indicates abundant moisture and sap and is not dried out and when dropped on its trunk few needles will fall out.
  • Have the tree wrapped. Wrapping helps with tying the tree to the roof or trunk of a car or truck and will save on damage to walls and floors when moved into the house.
  • At the tree lot or just before you bring the tree in the house, saw a one-inch slice off the trunk. This opens up the vessels in the trunk for water to flow and will encourage needle retention. Immediately put the trunk in water before the newly opened vessels can close. Provide plenty of water while in the stand to avoid drying it out.
  • Keep the tree from heat sources. Do not use candles or open flames near the tree and avoid combustible decorations. Make sure your lights are in good working order and that your smoke extinguisher and fire extinguisher are in working order.

Bob King, Ph.D.
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Monroe County
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