I have the outdoors decorated and ready …
and because we love the scent and feel of a real Christmas tree, we went and cut one down, put it up and decorated it too!
We have all been given advice on the many ways to take care of Christmas trees, so if you are like me you will probably be surprised how many of those rules aren’t necessary, so here’s a quick list of things to do when you’re picking out and bringing your tree home.
Before buying the tree, give it a shake or grab a branch of needles and slide your hand towards yourself. Brown needles are ok to drop, but if green needles are dropping, then the tree isn’t very fresh.
If it has been more than 6 hours since cutting it down, or if you bought a pre-cut tree, you will need to cut one inch off the bottom of the trunk because it heals over and won’t take water.
Make the cut straight across the trunk. Don’t cut the tree at an angle or a V shape, or whittle away the edges to fit into your stand because the outside edges draw up the water most efficiently.
If you are planning on waiting before putting it in it’s stand, put it in a bucket of water and keep it somewhere cool until you are ready to bring it in the house.
Place the tree in a stand with adequate water capacity. Be careful because some stands allow there to be water in the stand without the tree being submerged and the bottom of the trunk needs to always be in water to prevent healing over.
Only give the tree plain water. There is no need for aspirin or any of the other concoctions we have been told about. Plain water works best. Water temperature doesn’t matter either.
Don’t put it near any kind of heat source when picking your location.
Use miniature lights that produce less heat, this helps prevent your tree from drying out.
Your tree should last 4 to 5 weeks if you keep it watered and don’t let the water level go below the trunk.
Remember ~ real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. They are farmed like a crop so no need for guilt when deciding on a real tree.
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For more info about real Christmas trees, visit The national Christmas Tree Associaiton at http://www.christmastree.org/
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You can locate a tree recycling program by logging onto www.realchristmastrees.org
It is difficult to realize how great a part of all that is cheerful and delightful in the recollections of our own life is associated with trees. ~Wilson Flagg
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December 1st, 2009 Teresa Posted in General, Uncategorized
Tags: care of your christmas tree, Christmas tree, Christmas trees, evergreens, firs, garden shoes, gardenshoesonline, gardenshoesonline.com, myths about christmas trees, Outdoor Wednesday, pine tree, pines, trees
December 1st, 2009 at: 10:57 pm
Thanks for all the tips! When I get a real tree I only use plain water too. I love cutting down our own tree from a tree farm because it is a little fresher and lasts longer. We haven’t decided yet whether we are getting a real tree or not this year. Better make up our minds soon!
December 2nd, 2009 at: 1:05 am
Thank you so very much for all of these tips! There was some great info here.
Happy Outdoor Wed. to you!
XO,
Sheila
December 2nd, 2009 at: 1:22 am
This is such great information.
Years ago — it was dark outside when we went to the tree lot to choose. We found the “perfect” one.
Sure wish I had had your instructions back then… as we got it home and decorated it… then come morning noticed that tons of needles had fallen to the floor…and after close inspection the needles were panted BLUE to look green! *sigh*
if you get a moment, stop by and say hi!
TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥
December 2nd, 2009 at: 1:31 am
Great info…and your house looks lovely all decked out in its holiday clothes!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at: 2:13 am
We haven’t ever gone out and cut our own Christmas tree. It sounds like a wonderful time to me. Nice post with all the tips.
Joyce M
December 2nd, 2009 at: 2:17 am
I love the levels of decorations on your house! Very festive! Beautiful post and informative too…thank you for sharing.
December 2nd, 2009 at: 5:26 am
I used to love the scent of a real tree in the house! But they do drop needles … and with a dog, one is never quite sure they won’t treat it as their own personal ‘litter box’! LOL!
December 2nd, 2009 at: 6:18 am
I love the smell of a live tree. Your outdoor Christmas decor is pretty. Great photos.
December 2nd, 2009 at: 8:12 am
Absolutely beautiful!!!
My O W is now posted. Today a slide show of us attending the famous Texas King Ranchhand Breakfast. Come see a bit of ‘history’ if you can.
It’s Here
And you may want to add this post link to my Holiday Meme…found on my sidebar.
December 2nd, 2009 at: 2:23 pm
Thanks so much for the information regarding fresh Christmas trees. Your photos are wonderful and you are way ahead of me in the exterior decorating department. Have a wonderful Outdoor Wednesday.
December 2nd, 2009 at: 5:18 pm
Great tips. I prefer a real tree too. It’s a good feeling to bring nature indoors. After Christmas, we take the tree outside and sink the trunk in a hole at the edge of the garden and then decorate it with edible treats for the birds. They love it. When all the needles have dropped from it (or when we get tired of it) we run it through the chipper and use it for mulch.
December 2nd, 2009 at: 7:49 pm
That is a great idea cindee, I have done that in the past also. It gives them refuge and food especially if I have strung popcorn and cranberries.
December 2nd, 2009 at: 10:28 pm
We always get our tree the day after Thanksgiving. There’s so much fun in cutting it down!
I too love the smell of the fresh tree. 
December 3rd, 2009 at: 1:22 am
Your house is decorated so nicely! I love cutting down fresh trees too, not sure where we’ll get ours this year but it will be a real one.
December 3rd, 2009 at: 12:13 pm
The outside of your house is decorated beautifully. I go all out on the inside but lose steam when it comes to outdoor decorations. I need to start putting them up in Sept ~ before it gets cold ~ maybe then it would get done! I love the smell of a real tree too but for the past several years I’ve only had artificial. It’s been easier on me but hopefully someday I’ll have a real one again.
December 4th, 2009 at: 5:31 pm
Don’t forget to pick up the button to add to your sidebar for the Home 4 the Holiday meme…and link it so everyone who wishes to join from your blog can find out how and where!!
December 10th, 2009 at: 10:20 am
your outdoor lights and your home and gorgeous!
happy holidays~
chasity