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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Tips for Selecting and Maintaining the Best Holiday Tree


Favorable weather conditions throughout the region have produced higher quality holiday trees for Rochester consumers. You may be pleasantly surprised with the quality and the selection of trees this year as well as with prices staying in line with last year. Peak sales for local holiday trees are expected this upcoming weekend (December 13 and 14).

If you are looking to purchase a tree, a listing of local growers and retailers of holiday trees is available at https://www.growmonroe.org.

Consider the following tips before buying your holiday tree:

* Consider what kind of evergreen tree you want – a fir, spruce, pine or potted. Local varieties include:

* Before you leave your home – make sure the tree will fit. Measure the ceiling height to make sure the tree along with a tree topper will fit.

* Select a tree with a trunk that is straight and not split into two.

* Grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull. Fresh trees have very few needles that will fall off, and the branches will be supple and spring back.

* Inspect the branches for any animal life, insect activity or other undesirable objects.

* Make sure to shake the tree so that old growth needles will drop before final selection.

* Pick up the tree. A heavy tree indicates abundant moisture and sap, and is not dried out. When the tree is dropped on its trunk, few needles should fall out.

* Have the tree wrapped. Wrapping helps with tying the tree to the roof or trunk of your vehicle and will help prevent on damage to walls and floors when moved into the house.

* Saw a one-inch slice off the trunk while at the tree lot or just before you bring the tree in the house. This opens up the vessels in the trunk for water to flow and will encourage needle retention. Immediately put the tree trunk in water before the newly opened vessels can close.

* Provide the tree with plenty of water while it is in the stand to prevent it from drying it out.

* Keep the tree from heat sources. Do not use candles or open flames near the tree and avoid combustible decorations.

* Make sure your lights are in good working order, and that your smoke detectors and fire extinguisher work properly.

Bob King, Ph.D.
Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute
12/10/2008