COMMUNITY
In Your Backyard
THE TOP 4 TREES TO CHOOSE FOR CHRISTMAS WITH THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
Nothing brings the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season into your home like a real Christmas tree. Scott Johnson, Nashville District Manager with the Davey Tree Expert Company says that while you’ll find many types of real Christmas trees at the tree lot, the key to picking the perfect tree is to consider species type, fragrance and needle retention. “Real Christmas trees are a wonderful way to bring natural beauty into our homes.” Says Johnson. “Evergreen trees are an incredible reminder that while many plants and trees seem quiet or ‘sleepy’ this time of year, trees are actually growing and thriving yearround.”
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The following four Christmas trees are among his favorites for their texture, fragrance, less-mess needle retention, and beauty: 1. FIRS, INCLUDING BALSAM AND FRASER With a wonderful Christmas fragrance, stiff branches to hold heavy decorations, and needles that won’t shed, firs are stand-out Christmas trees. However, as slow-growing trees, they are often a more expensive option. Both varieties offer needles that are soft to the touch and easy for decorating, as well as the longevity to last through the holiday season… when watered properly! 2. SCOTCH AND EASTERN WHITE PINE Pines are the most popular choice for Christmas trees, and their excellent needle retention makes them the perfect choice for anyone worried about “shedding” this holiday season. However, their flexible branches may struggle to hold heavy ornaments. Those with sensitive noses may wish to choose the Eastern White pine, while those seeking the classic holiday scent of fresh pine can choose the Scotch variety, which offers a long-lasting aroma. 3. COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE The silvery-blue hues and symmetrical shape of spruces make them an elegant holiday
fixture. With a full bottom that winnows to a slender top, the Colorado Blue Spruce’s stout branches make it a good choice for heavier ornaments and decorations. It’s also among the best trees for needle retention, offering beauty throughout the entire holiday season. 4. DOUGLAS FIR While not a true fir, these trees can be found on many tree farms, and often at an affordable price. Douglas firs are prized for their sweet scent and dense dark green or blue-green needles that are soft to the touch. Once you settle on the perfect tree, two tips can help you make the most of your real tree: Water Regularly: Frequent watering helps to maintain fragrance and prevents needles from drying and dropping off. Your tree may take in a large amount of water one day and just a little the next in a cycle that seems random but is perfectly normal. Check and replenish your Christmas tree’s water every day. “Tree-cycle” It: After the holidays, be sure to recycle your real tree. Your municipality or local recycling program may offer “tree-cycling” that often turn former Christmas trees into mulch. Just be sure to remove all non-organic décor like lights and ornaments! Have more questions about Christmas trees or trees growing in your yard? Find out more at davey.com. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental solutions for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners across North America. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the U.S., Davey has been dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions for 140 years.
