Tree 101
SNOHOMISH 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: Fish Creek Tree Farm 18420 3rd Ave NE, Arlington, WA 98223 360.652.9030 Paterson’s Lazy Acres Tree Farm 1315 188th St NE, Arlington, WA 98223 christmastreesucut.com Hemstrom Valley Tree Farm 4329 Robe Menzel Rd, Granite Falls, WA 98252 hemstromvalleytreefarm.com Red Rooster Ranch 12909 279th Ave NE, Granite Falls, WA 98252 redroosterranch.weebly.com Lochsloy Acres 5511 SR 92, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 lochsloyacres.com Long’s Christmas Trees 5001 Riverview Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 longschristmastrees.com
Promised Land U-Cut Christmas Trees 22502 Dubuque Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 425.737.5310 facebook.com/ promisedlandchristmastrees Reade Christmas Tree Ranch 7724 171st Ave SE, Snohomish, WA 98290 360.568.7391 Stocker Farms 8705 Marsh Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296 stockerfarms.com Wintergreen Tree Farm 13606 S Machias Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290 wintergreentreefarm.com Holiday Forest 3125 280th St NW, Stanwood, WA 98292 holidayforestchristmastrees.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.