Choosing a real tree for the holidays requires planning
Q: We’ve never bought a real tree for Christmas and want to take the plunge. Do you have some tips to make this decision easier for us? — D.R., Albuquerque
A: First, I need to make a distinction. When you use the term “real tree,” because of my nursery training, I automatically think of a potted tree — roots and all. A cut tree, although real, is just that, a cut tree. But, for now, let’s talk cut trees since its way too early to consider placing a “real” living tree indoors to enjoy for the holiday. (I’ll discuss having a real tree next week, OK?)
The first thing I’d mention would be space. When you’re out tree hunting, you’ll find the right one, get it home and then discover it’s way too big for the space you can offer. Measure your space and stay within those parameters.
Next, when you’re shopping, you’ll notice several different types of cut trees available. Be it at a nursery, garden center or any of the tree lots that magically appear with the Thanksgiving holiday, your choices are extremely varied. Depending on how you want to decorate the tree is how you’ll choose the right one. A relatively inexpensive tree, the Douglas fir, is a stout very pyramidal-shaped dark green-needled tree that wears its decorations mainly on the outside. They are very thick trees. From experience, they seem to have a fairly short shelf life, so to speak, and might not last well into the New Year.
Another readily available tree type, the noble fir, is a classic. The shorter needles offer a green-gray color and there is usually far more space between the branches, making decorating far easier. The noble usually lasts for a long period of time, too. You can also find other tree types around, like white pines, spruce and fir trees, that’ll fit the bill, I’m sure.
When you pick your tree, do a quick “thump test.” Grab the trunk, lift the tree a few inches off the ground and then thump it down. If lots of needles fall off the tree, perhaps consider another one as that one might already be too dry. Now, when you do find the tree that’s going to grace your home, get it there quickly. If offered where you’ve purchased, get them to re-cut the trunk so the tree is more apt to soak up life-preserving water. If you can do this chore at home do, just aim to get the tree stood in its stand of fresh tepid water ASAP! Keep a vessel of water handy and keep the stand reservoir full of water while the tree is standing.
When you have the tree up, placement is paramount. Cut trees that are placed in the least heated spot you have will last longer. Your aim is to keep it cool. Keep it well away from any heat sources like heater vents, pellet or wood stoves, and certainly fireplaces. Don’t invite trouble. Lighting the tree, with all of the new technology, is safer and more economical than ever and your lighting investment, with proper care and storage, can last for years.
So that’s my list of things to consider when you bring in a real cut tree for the holidays. Be it a stout, really full Douglas or a more regallooking spruce or fir tree, I’m confident you will find and enjoy your tree for weeks to come! Remember, too, that the city does make it pretty easy to dispose and recycle your cut tree after the holidays — more on that later as the season advances. Have fun while you’re out tree hunting and Happy Digging In!