Tree 101 PIERCE 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: Green Valley's Honeytree Farm 21606 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn, WA 98092 honeytreefarm.com
Ohop Ridge Tree Farm 40707 Ski Park Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328 ohopridge.com
Coates Christmas Trees 17225 SE Green Valley Rd, Auburn, WA 98092 coateschristmastrees.com
Snowshoe Evergreen U-Choose & Cut 10720 SR 162 E, Puyallup, WA 98374 253.848.3492 snowshoeevergreen.com
Hillside Tree Farm 12904 198th Ave E, Bonney Lake, WA 98391 360.897.2144 Harter’s South Prairie Tree Farm 24615 142nd St E, Buckley, WA 98321 253.223.0492 Cox Christmas Trees 40605 Meridian Ave E, Eatonville, WA 98328 coxchristmastrees.com Holiday U-Cut Christmas Trees 39908 Dean Kreger Rd E, Eatonville, WA 98328 gochristmastree.com
Harvey’s Harvest Christmas Trees 7315 166th Ave E, Sumner, WA 98390 harveysharvestchristmastrees.com Double Four Tree Farm 4217 72nd St E, Tacoma, WA 98443 double4treefarm.com Glenwood U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm 14716 Bingham Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98446 glenwoodtreefarm.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.
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.