Tips on finding Christmas trees

Christmas trees are a traditional part of the festive holiday season, and for many the fresh scent of a real tree invigorates the spirit of the season. The most popular Christmas trees grown in Tennessee are Virginia pine, eastern white pine, eastern red cedar, Fraser fir and Scotch pine. These and many other trees imported from other states will be available in all sorts of retail locations. 

Tips for consumers on choosing and maintaining a real Christmas tree:

1. Measure the dimensions, including ceiling height, of the area where the tree will be placed before buying the tree. This will help you select the right size and shape of tree.

2. The easiest method to obtain a fresh tree is to cut one from a Tennessee Christmas tree grower. For a directory of Christmas tree growers, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture website: http://www.picktnproducts.org/Flowers_trees/

3. Trees in Christmas tree lots may have been cut 4 to 6 weeks before they appear on the lot. Make sure to test the tree for freshness by placing a branch between the thumb and forefinger of your hand. Pull your hand toward you allowing the branch to slip through your fingers. The needles should bend but not break, and adhere to the branch, not fall off in your hand. A second test is to lift the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the stump end. Some interior brown needles should fall, but if green needles fall in abundance, find another tree.

4. To keep your tree fresh, cut one-half  to 1 inch of the bottom of the trunk. Immediately place the stump end in water. Keep water in the tree stand at all times. A cut tree can absorb 2 or 3 quarts of water the first day indoors. If the base of the tree dries out, sap from the tree will form a seal that will not allow water absorption. Water additives to enhance the "freshness" of the tree are not recommended. Only use clean water in your tree stand.

5. The tree should be placed in a cool area. Keep your tree away from fireplaces, heat registers, radiators, heaters and televisions. Inspect your Christmas tree lights for broken insulation or faulty sockets each year. Always unplug tree lights when you are away from home and before you go to bed.

The National Christmas Tree Association website is a wonderful source of additional information on Christmas trees:   http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/default.aspx  If you are interested in a locally grown tree, drop by Wild Wood Christmas tree farm located at 286 La Paloma Road in Woodbury, Tennessee. David and Dawn Gray can be contacted at 615-464-2472 or by e-mail at wildwood2010@yahoo.com

For more information on selecting the perfect Christmas Tree, contact the Cannon County U.T. Extension Office at 563-2554. By BRUCE STEELMAN