Tree 101
KING COUNTY choosing your fresh tree
• Measure the ceiling height in your home where you intend to set up your tree, then subtract the height of your tree stand and the height of your tree topper. Also measure the width of the space where you will set up your tree. • Take a tape measure with you to the farm. • Know the maximum- and minimum-size trunk that will fit your tree stand. • Evaluate the ornaments you will hang on your tree. Heavier ornaments will require stronger branches. Long/tall ornaments will require room to drape and be seen between lower branches. Bring an unbreakable sample ornament with you when choosing your tree.
getting your tree home safely
The tree farm will bale your tree for transport, and some will help you secure it to your vehicle. Don’t forget to bring: • extra twine and bungee cords • a red flag or bandanna in case the tree hangs off the end of your car • gloves to protect your hands • an old blanket to protect your car
traditional holiday tree types Blue spruce - Known for its bluish/ gray/silvery coloring, this species features a pyramid shape and strong branches that lend themselves nicely to decorating. Popular choice as a living tree to be planted after the holidays. Fraser fir - Short, soft silvery-green needles are the distinctive feature of this species. Some consider this tree easier to decorate, as the strong branches turn slightly upward and have nice spacing. This species is known for its excellent needle retention. White pine - This low-aroma tree is recognized by its long, feathery needles. Boughs are used for wreaths and garlands, but heavier ornaments may not work well on its flexible branches. Douglas fir - This is the most popular Christmas tree species in the Pacific NW and is characterized by soft, shiny green needles that have a pungent but pleasant fragrance. Noble fir - This naturally symmetrical tree is a deep green in color and is the popular choice for wreaths and garlands. Branches are sturdy, with good spacing for decorating. This species makes up 25 to 30 percent of the market in the Pacific Northwest.
start an annual tradition at a local u-cut tree farm: A & B’s Christmas Trees 28641 132nd Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092 206.390.5292
Uncle Eek’s Trees 12202 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Kent, WA 98030 uncleeekstrees.com
Traditions Tree Farm 24030 SE 192nd St Maple Valley, WA 98038 traditionsfarm.com
Coates Christmas Trees 17225 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn, WA 98092 coateschristmastrees.com
Crystal Creek Tree Farm 23604 SE 192nd St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 crystalcreektreefarm.com
Wilson Hill Tree Farm 20241 SE 232nd St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 wilsonhilltreefarm.com
Pfaff’s Christmas Trees 29204 124th Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092 pfaffschristmastrees.com
Mountain View Tree Farm 26930 SE 216th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 425.432.6682
Mt. Rainier Nobles 42922 196th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022 mtrainiernobles.com
Three Tree Farms 28033 SE 216th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 threetreefarms.com
Trinity Tree Farm 14237 228th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 trinitytreefarm.com
Mountain Creek Christmas Tree Farm 6821 440th Ave SE Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Keith & Scott Tree Farm Mt. Si Road Field 43342 SE Mount Si Rd, North Bend, WA 98045 Ronnei Christmas Tree Farm Papa’s Tree Farm & Gift Shop Thrasher Road Field 11210 Carnation-Duvall Rd NE 26429 SE 200th St, 42999 SE 120th St Maple Valley, WA 98038 Carnation, WA 98014 North Bend, WA 98045 papastreefarm.com ronneichristmastrees.com http://www.kandstreefarm.com/
As many tree farms sell out early, you’re advised to contact businesses before your visit to check tree availability and open hours. Find more Puget Sound-area Christmas tree farms by visiting www.pscta.org. mountaincreekchristmastreefarm.com
recipe for a healthy tree
• Put your tree into a bucket of warm water • Water your tree two or three times daily immediately upon arriving home, while for the first few days, then once daily to you’re setting up. keep the reservoir full. This could be as much as one quart or more per day. • To slow down drying, locate the tree away from heating vents, fireplaces and direct • A watering can with a long spout will make sunlight. it easier to reach the water reservoir. • As a general rule, your tree stand should • Experts say just plain water, with no provide one quart of water per inch of additives, is best for keeping your tree stem diameter. fresher longer. • Before you setup the tree, make a fresh one-inch cut off the end of the trunk.
what to do with your tree after the holidays are over Most cities have curbside tree recycling or a Boy Scout troop (or other nonprofit) in the area that will take trees for a small donation. Contact your local Boy Scout troop for dates and locations. For more information, contact your county or yard-waste collection service: King County - curbside recycling http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/tree-cycling.asp Snohomish County - Check with your yard-waste collection service or consult the Everett Community College sustainability blog at http://sustainability.evccblogs.com/. Pierce County - Use curbside recycling if subscribing to yard-waste collection, or visit http://www.piercecountywa.org/1551/Treecycling If not subscribing, trees can be taken to Pierce County transfer stations. Thurston County - Check the county website for details https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/solidwaste/holidays/holidays-treecollect.htm For more information, visit realchristmastrees.org. Note: Most waste collection providers require the tree to be cut into pieces. Flocked trees cannot be recycled.