Christmas is 6 weeks away. You may think it’s too early to start thinking about your Christmas Tree. But maybe not if your thinking a “Live” tree.
The weekend after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for Christmas Tree Farms.
Many have already started a reservation system where you can go out and pre-tag a tree and cut it closer to Christmas.
Also, many locations that will sell cut trees have already started receiving greens
and will probably take delivery on some or all of there trees by this weekend.
So how do you know if the tree will last through Christmas? The tree variety plays as much a part as when the tree is cut.
One way to ensure a fresh tree is to cut your own and place it in water within the hour. Otherwise, put a fresh cut on the tree right before you place it in the stand and keep it watered.
Purchasing a live tree has benefits to the environment.
The Real Christmas Tree Board has great information on the benefits of a “live” tree as well as locating a retailer:
As far as varieties of trees, there are several choices. One rule of thumb is the longer the needle, the greater water retention, and the longer it will last.
Three varieties with longer needles are White Pine,
and Concolor or White Fir,
and Scott’s pine.
A very popular tree which grows well in Ohio is Canaan Fir.
Douglas Fir is another tree found in Ohio.
Two Spruce trees that have been produced in Ohio are Blue Spruce
and Norway Spruce.
But since Spruce needles are shorter, they may not last as long. Therefor waiting until the first or second weekend in December to cut your tree may help your Spruce last longer.
Fraser Fir can also be found growing in parts of Ohio as well as brought in from other states.
More information on details about each variety can be found at the Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers website:
https://neochristmastrees.com/
A good video that tours a tree farm provides more information on tree selections is attached.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQCxWx_Zm5s
Also, a video is attached on how to care for your “Real” tree.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcO6jjz2Zsk&t=1s
So, its not to early to start thinking Christmas Tree. Remember the benefits.
And as always, daily watering is key, but once the tree begins to dry out, Get it OUT of the house to reduce chances of fire.
Merry Christmas!