Selection and Care of Christmas Trees
The holidays are here and for many that means, it’s time to head out to the Christmas tree lot. Selection is the first step to ensuring a beautiful tree throughout the holiday season.
Start by checking for freshness. Run your hand along the stem. The needles should be pliable yet firmly attached to the branch. If not, it’s time to move to the next tree.
Avoid trees with lots of moss, lichens, vines, broken branches and other signs of poor care. Now check the trunk. It should be straight and small enough to fit in your tree stand.
Remove at least an inch from the base of the trunk before setting it in the stand. A straight or diagonal cut work equally well. Fill the stand with water and check often. Fresh trees can absorb as much as 2 qts of water in the first 24 hours. Keeping your tree stand filled with water is the best way to keep your tree looking its best throughout the season.
A bit more information: Research has shown that a tree stand kept filled with water is the best cut tree preservative. Some like to add homemade or commercial preservatives to “feed” the tree and prevent the build up of fungus, mold and bacteria in the water. You can make your own by adding a cup of clear sugary soda and a drop of bleach to the water.
Related
Audio
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024
New Richmond, WI
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More