Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees
Now is the time to buy your tree!
When choosing a fresh cut tree, there are 3 things to check. First, make sure the tree is fresh. Second, make sure the trunk is straight and that the butt will fit in your tree stand. Third, make sure the tree has nice form.
You can usually have the trunk cut at the tree lot or you can cut it yourself, taking at least 1″ to 2″ off the bottom of the trunk. In either case, place the cut end directly into water. You can store the tree standing in a bucket of water in an unheated garage or closed porch until you’re ready to set it up inside. If you put your tree directly into the tree stand, make sure you remember to put water in the tree stand.
If your tree is still tied when you’ve got it in the tree stand, cut the ties and wait 4 to 5 hours for the branches to relax before you start to decorate.
The first few days after the tree base has been cut the tree will take up a lot of water. Make sure to check the water 2 to 3 times a day. You can add Prolong or a similar product to the water (or you can use aspirin) which will help the tree absorb moisture, lengthening the life span of your cut tree.
If the cut end of the base dries out it may seal which prevents the tree from taking up necessary water. You should make a fresh cut from the bottom of the trunk if this happens.
The ideal location for your tree is in an unheated or cool room, away from heat sources (fireplace, radiator, or heat vent) and direct sunlight.
Living Christmas Trees
Get ready to plant the tree outdoors:
Dig the planting hole as soon as possible, twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball.
Store the excavated soil in a garage where it can not freeze and mound the hole with leaves or hay to prevent freezing.
When indoors, your living tree should be:
In an unheated or cool room, away from heat sources (fireplace, radiator, or heat vent) and direct sunlight.
Watered daily with warm water.
Moved outdoors by the end of the week. Do not keep your living tree in a heated room for more than 6 days. Prolonged warmth will force new growth that may freeze and be damaged when you move the tree outdoors.
After the Holidays:
If the temperature will be 40 degrees or above, plant your tree in the pre-dug hole, using the reserved soil, and water thoroughly. Next spring and summer, water your tree once a week.
If temperatures will be colder for an extended period, store the tree for 2 to 3 days in your garage to let it “cool off”. Water it at least once. Then move it to an unheated protected location – detached garage, shed, screened porch, beneath a deck, or next to the east side of your house – and cover the root ball with bark mulch, straw, or leaves to a depth of 18″ on all sides. Plant in the spring.
You may apply an anti-desiccant spray to keep needles from losing valuable moisture.
Weston Nurseries wishes you the happiest of holidays!
