GARDEN VIEW: Choosing a Christmas tree

Before Thursday, Mesmer, originally from upstate NY, had never picked out a live tree.

Americans bought 25.9 million real trees previous year, which was down slightly from the 26.3 million sold in 2014.

Q: What is the best way to fire-proof my cut Christmas tree? There are a few tips that will help however.

“There’s now a greater selection of sizes available, including 3-foot tabletop trees, trees that are 4 to 5 feet tall and skinny enough to fit in smaller spaces and very large trees suitable for display homes and businesses with vaulted ceilings”, he said.

Many of his trees have orange needles due to the lack of water. But doing so also can dry out the tree, decreasing the chances it will make it through the season.

“It’s a tree that takes roughly six years, once the seedling is in the ground, to be cultivated to a size that’s commercial”, Davidson said. It is natural for inside needles to fall out but the outside needles should stay in place. “The heavier the tree the moisture in it”, Voykin said. Yellow or brown needles would be an indicator that the tree is drying out.

“We come every year”, said Madeline Carlton, who brought her daughters Stella and Bethany, her son, Isaac, her husband and mother to the tree farm from their house a mile up the highway.

That’s the thing, at Pleasant Valley, you don’t just pick out your tree you can also cut it down yourself. “I know people who planted trees in their landscapes, sold the home, and still drive by year after year to just see the trees they planted”, he says.

Much in the same why the tree farm tradition was passed to them, they are passing it on as well. If you decide to purchase a tree from a retail supplier you should pay attention to details that are indicators that the tree is fresh. When purchasing a tree, buy one that is as fresh as possible. Even so, some growers are optimistic based on what they have been seeing. No watering necessary! And once the holidays are over, the tree can easily be deconstructed and packed up for next year.

Keep the tree well watered by checking it daily.

“Turn off the tree when leaving the house or going to bed”, said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey, “Consider using a timer so you won’t forget”. You can buy portable units for outdoor use, or you can have them permanently installed by an electrician.

Last of all, make sure you secure the tree in the stand. “It was so messy, but the cleanup time after Christmas was less because I didn’t have to disassemble an artificial tree and pack it away”. If you have questions about selecting your tree, give me a call at the Henderson County Extension Office; we are happy to help.