Choosing the freshest tree
Helping gardeners and homeowners choose the perfect plant for their landscapes is a prime objective for the Master Gardeners of Allegheny County. And that extends to cut Christmas trees.
Most commercially available trees are harvested the first couple weeks of November. To optimize the length of time a tree looks its best, seek out the freshest tree and choose a variety that can take indoor conditions.
The freshest trees are farmed locally and harvested closer to Thanksgiving. Some farms allow you to cut your own or choose the tree they will cut for you. At the end of this column is a list of places that do this.
Many people head to a nursery or Christmas tree lot and choose a pre-cut tree. Popular species include Douglas, Fraser and balsam firs and white and Scotch pines. All firs have excellent needle retention but some cannot support heavy ornaments. Canaan fir, which is offered by several local growers, is considered an excellent choice but is generally more expensive than other firs.
A white pine has longer needles and is long-lasting, but it too struggles with heavy ornaments. Scotch pine, whose needles are a lighter green than a fir’s, is often a less expensive option and will hold heavy ornaments with ease. However, its needles are very sharp and if the tree goes dry even once, the needles will quickly fall.
A tree color’s should be rich and deep. Look for flexible needles that remain firmly attached when you tug on them. Knock
the base of the tree on the ground and check for excessive needle drop. (Be aware that older needles on the interior are naturally prone to shed as the tree ages.) If the needles pull out easily or if they appear dull, pass on that tree.
Once you’ve made your choice, have the vendor make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk. It is not necessary to drill a hole through the center. Get your tree into a water-filled stand as quickly as possible. If there is a delay in getting the tree into the stand, keep it in a cool location in a bucket of water. Try not to damage the bark as the vascular system is located beneath it. Keeping the bark intact maximizes the uptake of water and life of the tree.
Freshly cut trees will absorb water very quickly. Choose a stand with a large water reservoir and check the water level in the morning and evening, especially if the reservoir is on the smaller side. Be certain that the water level is well above the bottom. If the cut is submerged the entire time your tree is in place, it will last much longer. Additives are not necessary to keep a tree fresh.
Excessive heat and dry air can hasten the demise of a Christmas tree. Close heat registers near the tree and avoid placing it near southand west-facing windows or a well-used fireplace. Turn your thermostat down at night if possible.
Newer LED Christmas lights generate less heat than older ones. Always turn the lights off when the tree is unattended.
Once the holidays are over, a cut tree’s boughs make a good cover for overwintering perennials or the entire tree can provide welcome cover for winter birds. Alternatively, many communities will pick up and recycle trees so they don’t end up in landfills.
Tree farms
•Allison’s Christmas Trees, Aliquippa: 724-495-2680
• Bertovich Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm, Industry: 724-244-9520
• Cypher’s Christmas Tree Farm, Butler: 724-4778733
•Grupp’s Christmas Trees, Harmony:724-368-3249
• Martin’s Christmas Tree Farm, Belle Vernon: 412-4967827
• McMeekin Christmas Tree Farm, Penn Hills: 412242-6329
• Nutbrown’s Christmas Tree Farm, Carnegie: 412330-0240
• Ski Christmas Tree Farm, Sarver: 724-353-2648
Call before you go to confirm hours and terms of payment. Many farms have limited hours and do not take credit cards.