Caring For Live Christmas Trees and Greenery
Tis the season to decorate for the holidays! If you are one of the thousands who prefer a live Christmas tree, or just love the smell of fresh pine boughs, garlands, centerpieces, or other greenery, here are some tips to keep them looking and smelling their best.
For maximum fragrance, look for Balsam firs. They are the ones most associated with the “Christmas Tree scent”. When purchasing a tree, look for one that is full and deep green. Run your hand along the needles. They should be pliable and firm. If they are brittle or brown, avoid. You also want to avoid trees that shower you in needs when the trunk end is tapped gently on the ground. Make sure the place you purchase your tree at cuts a slice off the trunk. This will allow the tree to take up water more efficiently.
One you get it home, get it set up in a stand as soon as possible. If you need to wait a day or so, place it in a cool dry place like a garage. Once your tree is up it’s important to give it fresh water everyday. There are Christmas tree preservatives available that you can add to the water, but the most important thing you can do for your tree is keep it watered. Trees dry out quickly in a heated home and this not only leads to messy needle drop but is a serious fire hazard. The majority of fires during the holiday season are Christmas tree related. To prevent, keep your tree watered, keep it away from heating vents, devices, and candles. Make sure the lights you use are UL approved and check them each year before use. Toss any that are frayed or showing signs of short circuiting-and never leave your tree lit while you are asleep or not home!
If you love to use fresh greenery around your home, the same rules apply. Mist it daily (unless it has lights on it, for obvious reasons!). Be careful when using greenery with candles, and keep away from curious pets and children. If you use live mistletoe, this is extremely important as mistletoe is poisonous if eaten!
Enjoy the fragrance and beauty that nature has to offer this holiday season!
christmas trees, holiday greenery, mistletoe, holly, holiday plants, holiday decor
November 27th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Ah the holidays are in the air!
A small live tree could be a great substitute and will be a great addition to your yard or some local park. Check for instructions when to plant.
If you have a cut tree investigate whether your town has a tree recycling program. SOme ciites will turn those trees to mulch for residents’ gardens.
Also experiment with planting some branches outside. Some may grow into trees. If you have a garage where no pets hang out, you can put branches in water (water often) until spring. Pets will drink the water and may get sick, so find a safe place where they can’t get to the water. Or you could try placing branches in dirt and water frequently. Visit me at http://www.about-albuquerquenm.com
Mary MacIntyre
November 28th, 2007 at 3:21 am
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