Polk County Master Gardeners
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Christmas Trees
Have you thought of purchasing a live tree for Christmas? It will probably
cost a bit more than one that has been cut and may be smaller, but it will last
a lot longer if you care for it.
First, remember that the weather inside our houses is not exactly what the
gardener ordered for your tree. It should be kept as far away as possible from
sources of heat (including tree lights) and will need water on a regular basis.
If you can do so without damaging the ornaments, misting it every few days will
help. It should be placed where it gets as much light as possible.
You also want to reach some sort of balance between the fact that you’d like
the Christmas tree up and decorated for as long as possible and the need to get
the tree out in the sun and fresh air as soon as possible. When you are ready to
plant it outside, dig the hole well in advance and fill it with water and let
the water drain out before putting in the tree. Be sure to choose a spot that
gets the amount of sun or shade needed by the tree you select. Mix some organic
matter (well-rotted compost is great) about half-and-half with the dirt you
removed from the hole. Put the tree in place, making sure you get it straight,
and fill around it with the dirt mixture. Firm the soil well around the tree,
cover the area around the trunk (radius of perhaps 2 feet would be fine) with
mulch, and water the whole business in well.
If you don’t want the hassle of trying to care for a live tree, or if you
want your tree up longer than would be good for a live tree, select your cut
tree carefully. Measure the space where you will put it to be sure you do not
get home with a tree that is too tall or too wide for your house. You want one
that is evenly shaped, and as fresh as possible so that it will last through
Christmas without becoming dry and brittle. One good way is to grasp it by the
trunk and rap the bottom sharply on the ground. You should NOT see a shower of
needles.
When you get the tree home, cut a slice about half an inch thick off the
bottom and set it in a pail of water for a few hours. Gently work the branches
down if they have been bundled up for shipping. Choose a stand that has a water
reservoir. After your tree is set up, fill the reservoir with water before
trimming the tree. Be sure to check the water level daily and add whatever water
you need to keep it as fresh as possible.
And if all of this seems like it is still entirely too much trouble, you can
always try an artificial tree. I understand that some of the newer ones do not
take the hours to set up that the older designs did.
Whatever kind of tree you choose, be sure to check the lights carefully to
make sure there are no worn places that could spark and cause a fire. And enjoy
a Merry Christmas.
By Barbara M. Tobias
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