It’s days weeks before Christmas and
you’re running around frantically. The
gifts are unwrapped, the food is unprepared and your Santa hat is nowhere to be
found. Stop. Take a deep breathe and relax, we’re here to
help. Though we won’t be able to cook
your holiday dinner, (we can make a mean roast, by the way) we will be able to
help you with one of your dilemmas: finding the perfect Christmas tree.
Finding the perfect tree starts with one
simple rule: look for the green! According to Elwood Christmas Tree
Farm owner Lee Itzler, the best way to test the health of an evergreen is to
grab a branch of your Christmas tree-to-be and lightly scratch the stem.
"If you see green, the tree will keep its needles longer."
Trees
between 6 and 8 feet are always in high demand, taking between 8 and 10 years
to grow 6 feet tall. Once you pick out
your tree, it’s best to put it inside of your car as opposed to on top. Why? Itzer says: "Strapped on the roof,
the trees get really beat up, wind burned, and desiccated. If you're a local
delivery it really doesn't make a difference, but if you're going on the
highway, then it should go in the car."
If you do have to put it on the roof, put the trunk facing into the
wind.
Once
your tree is home safe and sound, it’s time to get a good stand with heavy
water retention. The tree will soak up a
lot of water over the course of the next couple days, so make sure to keep the
stand full. Viola! Your tree skills have
improved this year!
How
do you retain your tree over the holiday season? Let us know below!
