Plant Talk |
CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.
Selecting and Caring for a Christmas Tree, December 6, 1996
Many people feel there is no substitute for the aroma of a live Christmas tree. here are some tips to make the experience safer and more enjoyable.
SELECTING THE TREE
First, decide where you will put the tree. Measure the width and height of the area so you know what size tree to buy. Also note whether the tree will need to look good from all sides, or if an imperfect side can be placed against the wall.
Next, consider the different types of trees. Redcedar is a traditional favorite since it is native to this part of the state. It makes an attractive tree, but extra care must be taken to prevent it from drying out. Its limbs tend to bend under the weight of heavier ornaments.
White pine and Virginia pine are also grown here in Harnett County. The pines have long needles and a pleasant fragrance. They hold their needles well, but the limbs are not as stiff as the fraser fir.
Leyland cypress, also grown in Harnett County, is another option (also used as a landscape plant). It is a handsome tree, but tends to dry quickly.
Fraser fir is probably the most popular. It has strong branches for holding ornaments, a pleasant aroma, and holds its needles well. In North Carolina, most fraser firs are produced in the mountains.
Freshness is important when selecting a Christmas tree. Shake or bounce the tree to see if many needles fall off. The young green needles should not fall off. Another test is to bend the needles. On frasers, the needles should break, but should not be brittle. On pines, the needles will not break unless they are very dry.
CARING FOR THE TREE
Once you have found the perfect tree, it must be cared for properly to stay fresh and minimize fire hazards. If you are going to wait a day or two before putting up the tree, store it in a cool shaded area. Make a diagonal cut in the base one inch above the original cut. Keep the base submerged in water. Mist the tree with water to keep it fresh while being stored.
When you are ready to bring the tree inside, make a square cut in the base. Avoid shaving the bark to make it fit into a stand. This reduces the tree's ability to take up water. Check the water level daily, and keep it away from direct sources of heat. No water additives are needed.
When stringing lights, check the condition of all cords. Be sure to turn off the tree lights when leaving the house and when going to bed.
LIVING TREES
Living trees can be replanted after use. This is a noble idea, but the proper steps must be followed for success.
First, select a tree that is adapted to this area. Fraser firs, and the Norway, white, and Colorado spruces are NOT ideally suited for Harnett County. White pine can be planted here, but will not live as long as in its natural habitat (i.e. higher elevation). Leyland cypress and redcedar might be good choices for this area.
The tree will have a better chance of survival if no lights are used, and if kept in the house for a short length of time (preferably no more than a week). Keep the rootball moist at all times. One option is to place the rootball in a tub containing moist sawdust.
Set the tree in a moderately cool area a few days before planting to prepare it for cooler outdoor temperatures (perhaps a garage or basement). The planting hole should be twice as large as the rootball. If wrapped in burlap, the burlap can be left on the rootball. Keep the tree watered, but do not apply any fertilizer until the tree has become established and started growing.
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