It’s that time of year again; time to put up a Christmas tree. Maybe you have already decided you will be purchasing a real tree this year. Whether it is your first time or you are just looking for advice, here are some tips for selecting the perfect tree, and how to take care of it during the holiday season so that you can get the most out of your money.
Buying the Tree
You probably see Christmas trees for sale all around town. How do you know where to buy the best tree?
- Aim to purchase a freshly cut tree from a nursery, or you can even cut your own if you have access to do so legally on someone else’s property. Many trees for sale at roadside stands were cut weeks ago and probably will not last until after Christmas.
- The top sellers are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, white pine, and balsam fir.
- Upon searching for the perfect tree, if you notice tons of needles all over the ground, go elsewhere, as these trees are likely dried out. To see just how fresh the tree really is, use your hand and pull it toward you along a single branch. Needles should stay intact for the most part.
Caring for Your Christmas Tree
Once you bring your new Christmas tree home, now the work begins. You must care for it properly for it to remain beautiful until you are finished with it after Christmas.
- After you get your tree home, saw off a few inches from the bottom of the truck before you put it in water. This removes any sap that has oozed out and sealed the pores, preventing water from soaking in.
- Water your tree adequately and often! A fresh cut tree can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a single day! Make sure your tree stand remains full of water, and never let the water get below the base of the tree.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources such as a fireplace, heater, or air vents.
After the Holidays
Once Christmas is over, and you are ready to take down your tree, here are some tips that allow you to reuse your tree instead of throwing it away.
- If you have a wood burning fireplace or fire pit, you can saw off the branches and cut the trunk into pieces to burn at a later time.
- Use your tree as a bird feeder by standing it up outside, add orange slices, cranberries, and other foods that attract birds.
- Old branches and pine needles can be used as mulch.
- Use scraps to stuff inside of sewn fabric sachets and place in closets, drawers, or other areas you want to freshen up.
- Dry sprigs are ideal for lighting kindling for a fire.
These are only a few ideas of how to repurpose your tree. Promier Tree hopes that you enjoy a wonderful Christmas this year, filled with family, friends, and good cheer!
Tree Care Services in the Tri-Cities
Promier Tree serves the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport, TN. To schedule a consultation with one of our certified arborists for your tree care needs, call (423) 765-2626.