TIPStricks

How to Make Your Holiday Tree Last Longer

Did you know Americans bought 26.2 million live Christmas trees to decorate last year, to the tune of about $2 billion? Whether families have already purchased a tree or are still looking for the perfect pine, Scott Diffenderfer, an arborist at Trees.com, brings you the best tips to purchase and preserve your Christmas tree this holiday season. • What should people look for when buying a real Christmas tree? The fresher, the better! It’s important to be sure your tree is fresh-cut. If possible, go to a “cut your own” Christmas tree farm. If you get a tree delivered or shipped to your home, try to find out if it’s sent as soon as it’s cut. You do not want a tree that’s been cut two or three weeks before you buy or receive it. Fresh-cut trees will last longer and provide an aroma that adds to your holiday pleasure, too. • What kind of tree should I buy? There is a top 10 list for everything and Christmas trees are no exception. Short, stout needles and sturdy branches are perfect when you are hanging decorations. Balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, white spruce, Norway spruce, and Scots pine are tried-and-true selections. If you prefer a softer-needled tree, the white pine is a good choice, but keep in mind this is a softer tree and the needles are not as sturdy as those previously mentioned; the limbs tend to bend or “weep” when weighted down. Something else to note: White pine is not as aromatic as the other trees. • What other tips do you have for tree care? The single most important consideration for the care and longevity of your tree is water. The second and third most important tips are water, too! When you get your tree home, cut about ½" of the trunk off and get it in the stand as soon as possible. Keeping the vascular system of the tree open is the only way water will get into the tree. If you let the water dry up, these bundles will close, and the water will stop moving into the tree. Check the tree daily by bending a needle or two, if the needle is flexible and moves without breaking, all is well; if the needle snaps when you bend it, the tree has dried out. This means you could have a significant fire hazard, not to mention a mess when you take the tree down. Lights can add to the problem of drying due to the heat they emit, but the newer LED lights reduce this issue. LEDs also reduce fire hazard. • What is the best way to dispose of a tree? Ideally, you can dispose of your tree by recycling. Many communities set aside a day for this and have a tree chipper available that will turn the trees into wood chip mulch. If not and you burn wood, use the tree as kindling and fuel. Some other ideas include using the tree as a bird sanctuary or to create a shelter for fish in your water garden. These ideas are not always practical, but in a location where this is permitted, they might be worth considering. If you purchase a live tree (usually it comes as ball and burlap aka B&B, or in a container), you can plant your tree after the holidays are over. If you decide to take this route, it’s always wise to consider the temperature and site when you will plant the tree. Be sure the tree is acclimated to the temperature it will be planted in—if you live in a colder climate, it is best to hold onto the tree until spring and then plant it (this can be done by placing the tree in the garage during the dormant season). Keep in mind it will still be necessary to water the tree occasionally during this period. o The Look of Christmas Without the Tree

Would you rather do without the tree, but still want to give your home that wonderful warm feeling of the season? Raise your hand! You aren’t the only one. This year, let waxed bulbs and bulb flowers take over the job of adding that holiday season sparkle! It’s always time for family fun. Ho ho ho! You’ve heard the song on the radio for weeks: It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Haul all of those boxes out of the attic because it’s time to turn the whole house into a cozy spot to celebrate the holidays. Time to snuggle in with family and friends, and enjoy seasonal delights like a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. But before all of this, go ahead and indulge yourself with something new

A great gift choice is a Waxed Amaryllis bulb. These bulbs are coated in decorative wax, making them pretty from the bottom up, so there is no need for a container. Everything these flowers need to grow is inside the wax. You don’t even need to add water. Huge tropical blooms will emerge within weeks of arrival, and all you have to do is watch the show unfold. This is the perfect gift for a friend who loves flowers but can’t seem to keep plants alive. A Snowy Waxed Amaryllis Bulb in a decorative gift box sells for $39.95 from www. JacksonandPerkins.com.

this year. No, not a Christmas tree. This year, deck the halls with waxed bulbs and bulb flowers. Waxed bulbs are flower bulbs covered in a layer of wax. Often, these are amaryllis bulbs. The wax coating keeps the flower bulb from drying out, but it also adds a glamorous touch to the flower bulb: The wax comes in a wide range of colors, including gold, silver, black, red, and pink, and can also be dusted with glitter, tiny stars, artificial snow...the sky’s the limit. This makes the flower bulb a decorative accent that becomes even prettier as it grows and produces its beautiful bonus of wonderful flowers. What home wouldn’t be jollier with flowers during the holidays? Some seasonal floral items are closely associated with winter. Red or white tulips lead the way! When tulips are in a vase, their stems continue to grow. Watched over time, they can be seen as a living work of art. But what if you’d rather add other kinds of bulb flowers to your holiday spirit? Then choose from amaryllises, hyacinths, anemones, or grape hyacinths. Learn more about using bulbs and cut flowers in holiday decor at iBulb. com. o