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 What
kind of Christmas tree do you prefer? Long needles? Short needles?
Or somewhere in between?
The Minnesota Christmas Tree Association
offers a photo and description of all the major variety of Christmas trees
grown in Minnesota. Visit this link to learn more!
Choosing a real Christmas tree is a
fun outing for the whole family and easy to do. Here are a few
simple steps for selecting the perfect tree.
- Once you've chosen your tree, keep it in a sheltered,
unheated area such as a porch or garage to protect it from the
wind and sun until you are ready to decorate it.
- To keep your tree fresh do the following:
- Make a fresh, straight cut across the base
of the trunk (about a quarter inch up from the original
cut).
- Purchase a quality stand that holds at least
2 gallons of water.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources such
as heat vents, electric base board heaters, fireplaces etc. These will dry out your tree quickly.
- Expect your tree to stay fresh for only 2-4
weeks. Trees are like flowers, if you take care of them,
they will last twice as long and look and smell twice as
good.
- Warning: Keep the tree stand filled with
water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four
to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree,
preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree
stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will
need to be made.
- A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water
or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter.
Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying
and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps
the tree fragrant.
Sensible precautions such as these will help preserve
the unique beauty and tradition that only a real Christmas tree
can provide.
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