Charlie Brown understood the importance of a good Christmas tree. He scoured every tree lot in town until he found just the right one. And so it is with many families as they search for the perfect Christmas tree. A process that seems fairly straightforward can actually be fraught with important decisions. First there's the question of real or fake. Once you decide that, new questions present themselves.
If real, what variety of tree? What size is best and what care does it require? If you go with an artificial tree, you have to determine the style of tree, pre-lit or not, traditional or fiber optic, green or colored. If only Charlie Brown were around to help! Let's consider the issues one at a time.
Real or fake
This is a matter of personal preference. On the fake side, you don't have to deal with falling pine needles or watering the tree. Also, you can buy a pre-lit tree and forget about the hassles of stringing lights. Many of the fake trees produced today are quite realistic looking. However, nothing can replace that smell of fresh pine that fills the whole house. Some people decide to go with a fake tree for environmental reasons, thinking that they are saving trees from being cut down. Not true.
Consider this: the average artificial tree last six years in your home but centuries in a landfill. Christmas tree farms provide wildlife habitats and remove dust and pollen from the air, as well as create oxygen. In Manatee County, your tree will be recycled into mulch if you put it at the curb with 60 days of December 25th.
Tree types
According to The National Christmas Tree Association, nearly 40 million Christmas trees are produced each year. The following varieties are the most popular tree types sold:
Scotch Pine: The most common Christmas tree. Its needles stay on even when dry and keep their aroma throughout the season.
Virginia Pine: A popular Southern Christmas tree. Its strong branches enable it to hold heavy ornaments.
White Pine: The largest pine in the United States. It has a very full appearance and little to no scent, making this variety a good choice from those with allergies.
What to look for
How can you tell if you are getting a good tree that will last the season, or one whose needles will fall out the minute you stand it upright in your living room? Tree gurus at the University of Illinois Extension Office offer some timely advice.
1. The most important consideration is freshness. Sometimes days or weeks pass between the time the trees are cut and when they arrive for sale. Always ask the vendor where they have come from and how long ago it was cut.
2. Inspect your prospective purchase. Does it appear green and healthy with a fragrant smell and flexible needles? Is there evidence of browning or dryness?
3. Make sure your tree will fit comfortably in the location you have chosen. Use a tape measure if necessary. Is there enough space between the end and the lowest branches to make a diagonal fresh cut?
Cutting an extra inch off the bottom before mounting your tree will help water absorption and ensure your tree lasts as long as possible.
A few final tips
When displaying a tree indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide one quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the tree down to fit a stand.
Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
Do not use additives in the water. Clean water is all that is needed to maintain freshness.
Always turn off the lights when leaving the house or before going to bed.
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