Choosing the perfect live Christmas tree
Whatever your idea of the perfect live Christmas tree might be, you can probably find it locally. There are a few things to keep in mind before you begin your search. If you purchase your tree from a local tree farm, you will know that it is fresh. There are some local tree farms that allow customers to tag a tree in the fall and come to get it fresh cut the day they pick it up. If you want a tree that is so perfect it might be mistaken for an artificial tree, look for a tree farm that sheers their trees. If you prefer a look that you would encounter in the wild, go to a farm that does very little sheering. You can customize your tree by cutting some of the branches off near the trunk to create open spaces for more of a “Charlie Brown” tree look. If you purchase a tree from a lot, a good test for freshness is to run a branch through your enclosed hand. The exterior needles should not come off easily. All trees lose some needles, especially from the interior – that’s normal.
Even if you purchase a fresh cut tree, the cut will glaze over with new pitch rather quickly, which means that the tree will not be able to take on water. So, it’s best to make a fresh cut of about an inch just before you bring your tree in. A tree will take on about a gallon of water the first few days. Make sure your tree stand is large enough for the trunk of your tree. If you have to trim bark to reduce the diameter of the trunk so that it will fit in the tree stand, you will remove the cambium layer, which allows the tree to absorb water. Never allow the water level in the stand to go below the cut end or it will glaze over again. There is no need to add additives to the water; they are not effective. The important thing is to get the trunk of the tree into water right away and keep the tree watered.
The size of trees out in the field can be deceiving. A 10-foot tree that is trimmed to an 80 percent taper will have an eight-foot width. Before you go, be sure to measure your ceiling height and the width of the chosen location. Subtract the height of your tree stand and tree topper if using one.
Check the tree trunk for crooks. If the first couple of feet are straight, it will be easier to get it into the tree stand.
When choosing your tree, think about your decorations – are they large or small, heavy or light, few or many?
The Fraser Fir is considered by many to be the perfect Christmas tree. It has a nice fragrance. The needles do not pinch and are two toned. The underside is silver and the top is green. Usually, the trunk is not too thick and will fit easily into the tree stand. The Balsam Fir has similar characteristics.
Douglas Fir trees have a medium size needle. They are easily grown in this area. It you prefer a full tree, this might be a good choice for you. A really full tree will only have room for ornaments on the tips unless you open it up as described above.
Unpruned Blue Spruce trees have spaces between strong branches. If you have a lot of ornaments, Blue Spruce is a good choice. You can hang heavy, larger ornaments near the trunk and work your way out to the tips. It has sharp needles, so if you prefer that type of tree, you will have to put up with a bit of pinching.
If you find a tree that you really like but it has some faults on one side, the less perfect side won’t be seen if it is positioned in a corner or against the wall.
Chose the location of your tree wisely. It should not be placed near harsh sunlight, warm drafts from vents or fireplaces.
Helpful Hints
• Take your tape measure with you.
• Invest in a good quality sturdy tree stand.
• Use a tree bag for easier removal.
• If you have small children or pets, you might want to trim the bottom branches to avoid eye injury. The trimmed branches can be used for other decorative purposes.
Valerie Glister is a Greene County Master Gardener. Contact the Greene County Extension Office at 724-627-3745 with any questions you might have for the Master Gardeners.