November 2007

To some, Christmas just isn't Christmas without a real Christmas tree. The following are a few hints to help you select that perfect tree whether you purchase it from a neighborhood lot or a Christmas tree farm.

  • Decide on where you will place the tree. Will it be seen from all sides or will some of it be up against a wall? Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as TVs, fireplaces, radiators and air ducts. Place the tree clear of doors.
  • Measure the height and width of the space you have available in the room where the tree will be placed. There is nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it's too tall. Take a tape measure with you to measure your chosen tree and bring a cord to tie your tree to the car.
  • Remember that trees sold on retail lots in urban areas may have come from out of state and may have been exposed to drying winds in transit. They may have been cut weeks earlier. Buy trees early before the best trees have been sold and where trees are shaded. Ask the retailer whether his trees are delivered once at the beginning of the season or are they delivered at different times during the selling season.
  • Choose a fresh tree. A fresh tree will have a healthy green appearance with few browning needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree. It is normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.
  • Remember to choose a tree that fits where it is to be displayed. For example if the tree is displayed in front of a large window, then all four sides should look as good as possible. If the tree is displayed against a wall, then a tree with three good sides would be okay. A tree with two good sides would work well in a corner. The more perfect a tree, the more expensive it is.
  • Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and 6-8 inches long so it will fit easily into the stand. Keep the water level in your Christmas tree stand above the base (cut end) of the tree. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will stop absorbing water. Do not add commercially prepared mixes, aspirin, sugar, or other additives to the water. Research has shown that plain water is best.
  • Do a little research on different Christmas tree types. Some Christmas tree varieties will hold needles longer than others. Trees with good to excellent needle retention include Douglas fir, white pine, Fraser fir, Scotch pine and concolor fir.

Set poinsettias in bright, indirect light for four to six hours each day. The colored bracts will keep their color longer in temperatures from 65 to 70 degrees. Fertilization is not necessary when the plant is in bloom.  They can be moved for display, but should be moved back to best light area. Keep them away from cold drafts from doorways and windows and be sure to punch holes in decorative foil to allow drainage.

Apply a three inch layer of mulch around perennial plants after several nights with temperatures in the 20’s. Mulches are not applied to keep the soil warm. They are applied to prevent heaving of the plants caused by freezing and thawing of the soil. The heaving can damage roots injuring the plant. Water the plant if needed before applying the mulch.

Leave the seed heads of black-eyed Susan and purple coneflowers on the plant for birds to feed on during the winter. Place birdfeeders at least five to six feet above the ground near bushes and trees offering protection from winter winds. Continue feeding the birds throughout the winter until spring. Provide a water source for birds in the winter. Keep the water from freezing by using a water heater available at many garden centers.