Many families, mine included, select and decorate their Christmas tree on the weekend after Thanksgiving. Live Christmas trees have been brought into homes and decorated during the holiday season for more than 500 years. Live Christmas trees have attractiveness, fragrance and tradition that cannot be matched with artificial substitutes.
There are several key factors to keep in mind when selecting a tree.
Check the height of the ceiling in the room where the tree will be displayed and select a tree at least one foot shorter than the ceiling height. Shake the tree to be sure the needles are firmly attached. Inspect the tree for insects by bouncing the tree on pavement to dislodge any insects if they are present. If you find any insects, spray the tree with an indoor aerosol containing pyrethrins before bringing the tree inside. Also, make sure the handle of the tree is straight. The handle should be at least 6 to 8 inches long to allow placement into the tree stand.
When you bring the tree indoors, be sure to cut one inch off the base of trunk and place in a stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Do not place the tree near a fireplace, heater vents or other heat sources. Always keep water in the tree stand. Never let the water fall below the base of the tree. If this occurs, the base of the tree will seal over and prevent the tree from taking up additional water. The tree must then be taken down and a fresh cut made to allow for water uptake, because the tree will begin to dry out and become a fire hazard.
The best way to keep a tree fresh and fire-resistant is to always keep it supplied with water. A fresh tree supplied with water presents little fire hazard. As long as the tree takes up water, it will be relatively fire-resistant. Remember to never leave home or go to bed with the Christmas tree lights on and use only UL-approved lights and nonflammable decorations.
Be sure to recycle your tree after the holiday season. Take your tree to one of the locations that grinds the trees into mulch. If you have a pond, the tree can create a fish attractor by weighting the base of the tree and sinking it.
I am sure you will find the perfect tree to decorate your home for the holiday season. While you are enjoying the fun and fellowship with friends and relatives over the holidays, remember to check your tree often and keep it supplied with plenty of water.
Bill Tyson is the coordinator for Effingham County Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia. E-mail him at email@example.com or call the Extension office at 754-8040.