ATH: Choosing a Christmas tree

  • Kyle Valentini
  • October 17, 2013
  • 422
                        
When choosing a tree for Christmas this year consider what works best for you. With a choice between cut, live or artificial, an argument can be made for each. Never say you are too busy to deal with a tree this year. Perhaps you just need to downsize a bit. Fake trees were first seen in the U.S. in 1913 through The Sears Roebuck catalog. Originally developed in Germany during a period of great deforestation, these first artificial Christmas trees were made from goose feathers died green. There are a host of reasons to choose an artificial tree. In the long run an artificial tree will cost less than a cut or live tree. Even the more expensive artificial tree will save you money as they are long lasting and can be used for many years. Many people dislike the smell of pine ad an artificial tree solves this dilemma. Low maintenance and practicality top the list for reasons to choose and artificial tree. Real trees don’t come in shades of white, pink, blue or red. An artificial tree allows for a more eclectic and in some cases, think silver tree, nostalgic decorating style. Real trees for Christmas are a must for some families. So what if it drips sap drops needles and has to be watered twice a day. For some there is no replacing the real tree. Cut trees are readily available during the holiday season. Prices will vary for a quality tree that is fresh and free of pests and disease. Try to shop locally for a cut Christmas tree. The less time the tree spends on the back of a truck the fresher it will be. Be practical when choosing a tree, it was, after all, grown to be appreciated and it shouldn’t be a source of stress this Christmas. Large trees are impressive but unless you have cathedral ceilings and very wide doorways, choose a tree that fits your home. Choose a cut tree with a straight trunk. Once home, cut about a half inch off the trunk of the tree. A perpendicular cut is best. Fancy whittling and v-shapes do not improve the intake of water to the tree. Place your tree in a tree stand and keep it watered as long as it is displayed. When it is time to remove the tree, do so responsibly by composting it or allowing your municipality to pick it up for proper disposal. Burning a spent Christmas tree is ill advised and should be avoided. You get all the benefits of a cut tree when you choose a live tree as your Christmas centerpiece, plus you can plant it in January and watch it grow for many years. Live trees are very expensive but considering the tree will benefit the farmer that grew it, you and your family, birds and other wildlife and everyone else once it is planted outside, the price tag seems reasonable. Smaller trees are more affordable and when lovingly decorated, can be as big a show stopper as a nine foot beauty. Live trees should be dormant before being introduced to the indoors. Gradually bring your tree indoors just before Christmas. Leave it on a porch or in an unheated garage before placing indoors. Live trees will start to grow if it is very warm in your house. Turn the thermostat down and put on an extra sweater. Live trees can be placed in a decorative container or galvanized bucket. Steady the tree with bricks or mulch. Keep well watered but never fertilize it. Live trees should never be left indoors for more than ten days. By the time Christmas is over and the tree ready to be planted the ground will probably be too frozen to dig so be certain you dig your tree a hole early in October or November. Whether you choose a long, tall cut tree, a short, fat live tree or a hot pink artificial tree makes no difference. The joy of the season is apparent in the many different Christmas tree traditions passed down in families. Fun to decorate, sit in awe and shelter the nativity set we place beneath it, the Christmas tree is the focal point of our holiday decorating.


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