– Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension
What is your ‘perfect tree?’
In my opinion, there is something magical about a live evergreen tree decorated for the holidays that simply cannot be replaced by a synthetic look-a-like. Each year, I encourage my friends, family, and clientele to support local Christmas tree farmers and embrace the traditional experience of hunting for the perfect live tree.
Tree growers report that many Americans are concerned if utilizing live trees for decoration is “environmentally friendly”, but rest assured, it certainly is.
The National Christmas Tree Association reminds consumers that,
“It is much better environmentally to use a natural agricultural crop and recycle it after the holidays. Real Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable, and natural product grown on farms throughout North America. Real Christmas trees are grown as crops, just like corn or wheat, and raised on a farm. Once they are harvested, new seedlings are planted to replace harvested trees.”
Pine (Pinus sp.), fir (Abies sp.), and spruce (Picea sp.) are the most common evergreens used for Christmas trees. Species and varieties vary in shape, color, texture, scent, and longevity once cut. Pine trees have clusters of needles attached to their branches, while fir and spruce needles attach singly to tree branches. Spruce needles are angular and sharp, while fir needles are flat and smooth to the touch. Needle retention under well-watered conditions for pine and fir trees ranks excellent to very good by tree growers. Spruce needle retention ranks from average to fair. Therefore, if spruce is the desired tree for use, wait until mid-December to cut and display, or consider a potted or ball-rooted tree that could be planted in the landscape.
Before you head to the tree farm or tree lot, measure the space for your tree at home. Consider both the height and width of the space to avoid the temptation of bringing home a tree that is too large for your home. Most trees are trimmed to an 80 percent taper, with means that a tree measuring 10 feet tall would be 8 feet wide at the base. Look for a tree with a straight trunk that is long enough to fit in your tree stand.
For pre-cut trees, do a freshness test of the needles. Spruce and fir needles should break crisply like a carrot when bent sharply. Pine needles will not break unless the tree is extremely dry. Although cutting a tree yourself on-farm is the best way to secure a fresh tree, many trees can retain freshness for multiple days following cutting in cool temperatures. Recut tree lot stumps when you return home and allow a whole day for the tree to take up water and relax before decorating. Do not taper the trunk before inserting into the tree stand. Make a clean cut and leave the bark on to keep the xylem tissue intact to transport water upward.
To reduce the risk of fire, keep the tree well-watered by checking the reservoir each day. Place the tree well away from heat sources. Do not overload electrical circuits and turn lights off when leaving the home or retiring to bed. Evergreen materials are highly flammable and should be removed from the home if dehydrated, not burnt in the home fireplace.
Best of luck to all those in pursuit of the perfect 2020 live tree! I hope the experience brings you joy.