Hints for selecting the right Christmas tree

The week after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for buying a Christmas tree. Everyone wants to start the season to prepare for Christmas and the tree is an important centerpiece in the home.

When purchasing a Christmas tree at a sales lot, there are a few helpful hints to watch for:

1. Pull lightly on the needles. They should be tightly attached to the branch.

2. Shake the tree vigorously and bounce the butt on the ground. If green needles fall, look further.

3. The tree should have a fresh green color.

4. Buy before the lot has been picked over.

5. Fir and pine hold needles much better than spruce.

These hints will help assure that you have gotten a fresh, living tree that will not dry out and drop needles.

When you get the tree home, here are some suggestions to help you keep the tree in a fresh condition longer:

1. Cut the butt diagonally about an inch above the original cut to aid water absorption.

2. A tree preservative can be added to the water and will add some fire protection. Adding 7-Up to the water has been found to keep the tree vessels open for better water absorption and the sugar is a food for the tree.

3. Select a stand with a large reservoir and place the butt end submerged in water and keep it so during the whole season.

4. Mist the foliage daily until the tree is put to use.

5. Make sure the tree is away from fireplaces, heaters, TVs, air ducts, radiators or other hot areas. Keep it out of walkways.

6. Turn off tree lights when no one will be in the room for any length of time.

7. Keep lighted candles and other open flames away from the tree.

8. Check lights and cords for loose connections or frayed wire.

9. Avoid accumulations of wrapping paper near the tree.

10. Don’t overload electrical circuits.

11. Keep metal foil icicles and tinsel out of light sockets.

12. Recycle the tree at the end of the Christmas holiday by using it as an outdoor wildlife shelter or bird feeder.

Following these tips will help make your holiday more enjoyable, safer and increase the longevity of your Christmas tree.

(Vern Quam is Jamestown’s city forester)

Tags: life, garden, home