Tree 101
K I N G
C O U N T Y
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 abchristmastree.com Coates Christmas Trees 17225 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn, WA 98092 coateschristmastrees.com Pfaff’s Christmas Trees 29204 124th Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092 pfaffschristmastrees.com Carnation Tree Farm 3861 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA 98014 carnationtreefarm.com
Yeisley’s Tiger Mtn. Tree Farm 15052 Tiger Mountain Rd SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 425.392.7214
Crown Tree Farm 805 SE 12th St, North Bend, WA 98045 crowntreefarm.com
Uncle Eek’s Trees 12202 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Kent, WA 98030 uncleeekstrees.com
Keith & Scott Tree Farm 43342 SE Mount Si Rd, North Bend, WA 98045 kandstreefarm.com
Crystal Creek Tree Farm 23604 SE 192nd St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 crystalcreektreefarm.com
Serres Farm 20306 NE 50th St, Redmond, WA 98053 serresfarm.com
Mountain View Tree Farm 26930 SE 216th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038 425.432.6682
Mountain Creek Christmas Tree Farm 6821 440th Ave SE Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Ronnei Christmas Tree Farm mountaincreekchristmastreefarm.com 11210 Carnation-Duvall Rd NE Papa’s Tree Farm & Gift Shop Traditions Tree Farm Carnation, WA 98014 26429 SE 200th St, 24030 SE 192nd St ronneichristmastrees.com Maple Valley, WA 98038 Maple Valley, WA 98038 papastreefarm.com Mt. Rainier Nobles traditionsfarm.com 42922 196th Ave SE, Three Tree Farms Enumclaw, WA 98022 28033 SE 216th St, mtrainiernobles.com Maple Valley, WA 98038 As many tree farms sell out threetreefarms.com Trinity Tree Farm early, you’re advised to 14237 228th Ave SE, Wilson Hill Tree Farm contact businesses before Issaquah, WA 98027 20241 SE 232nd St, your visit to check tree trinitytreefarm.com Maple Valley, WA 98038 availability and open hours. wilsonhilltreefarm.com Find more Puget Sound-area Christmas tree farms by visiting www.pscta.org.
recipe for a healthy tree
Put your tree into a bucket of warm water immediately upon arriving home, while you’re setting up. To slow down drying, locate the tree away from heating vents, fireplaces and direct sunlight. As a general rule, your tree stand should provide one quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Before you setup the tree, make a fresh one-inch cut off the end of the trunk.
Water your tree two or three times daily for the first few days, then once daily to keep the reservoir full. This could be as much as one quart or more per day. A watering can with a long spout will make it easier to reach the water reservoir. Experts say just plain water, with no additives, is best for keeping your tree fresher longer.
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. Note: Most waste collection providers require the tree to be cut into pieces. Flocked trees cannot be recycled. For more information, visit realchristmastrees.org.