By Island County Extension Agent, Donald B. Meehan
BUYING YOUR FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE
We are very fortunate to be living in the Pacific Northwest where several million Christmas trees are produced each year for the Yule-tide season. You and your family are probably preparing to find that perfect tree for this year.
You'll have several options available to you as you begin. First, you might consider going artificial. With this option you'll find the trees are not exactly like the real thing, either in appearance or in smell. There is something special about the aroma of a Christmas tree in the house during Christmas that makes the season seem more real.
The other choices that you have are to purchase a tree at a local Christmas tree lot. If this is what you think is best for your family consider several things. First, be sure the tree is fresh. Here is how you can tell. Run your finger down a branch, the needles should adhere to each twig. The needles should be resilient, not brittle. Strike or bounce the tree on the ground lightly to see if only a few needles drop off. If the tree is not fresh, many will fall. Does the tree have a strong fragrance and is its' color good.
One way to be sure your tree is fresh, has resilient needles, good color, and has a strong fragrance is to cut your own. A couple of options are available. One is to obtain a tree cutting permit from the Forest Service. This will require going to their headquarters in Sedro Woolley. Call first to be sure they are selling permits. Then, if available, be prepared to drive a long way to get a tree which was grown under natural conditions.
Another way is to buy your tree locally at a Christmas tree U-cut farm. What you will find, if you think this is the best way for your family, is that there will usually be a variety of trees available such as Douglas fir, Pines, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, and Concolor Fir. Needless to say, the trees will be fresh because they aren't cut down until you do it. The trees will have much better shape and density than those in the forest. You'll also be able to see the natural shape of the tree much easier. The tree farmer has invested lots of money and time in making them look good.
The cost of a U-cut tree will probably be a bit lower than those bought in lots, but will be much higher than the cost of a tree cutting permit. You'll save travel costs, however, and you'll find the experience an enjoyable one.
There are several U-cut farms in Island County. Watch for signs along the road, ads in local newspapers, and contact the Extension Office for a Choose & Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Map put out by the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Growers Association.
One last thought, when you buy a tree in Island County your dollar will help the local economy.
Regardless of where you obtain your tree, you will want to keep it as fresh as possible for as long as possible. This is most important for safety reasons. Dry trees can be a serious fire hazard, especially with tree lights and candles attached or nearby.
A Christmas tree six or seven feet tall can use up to four gallons of water in the first week inside a house. The best way to make sure your tree is getting enough water is to prepare it correctly at the onset. Begin by cutting one inch off the stem. It will probably help to cut it at an angle so that more surface is exposed for water absorption. Next, place the tree in water and securely support the tree. Check the water level several times a day to see how fast it is being consumed. Refill when the level drops.
What about the magic recipes that you have heard can fireproof your tree and extend its freshness. Every year I ask our forest experts if there have been any new developments with these products. This year the answer was the same as for last year, nope. The best recipe ingredient for keeping your tree fresh is water. Research as many years ago as 1952, showed that ammonium sulfate mixtures didn't work any better than plain water. So, why waste the money.
Well, that about covers Christmas trees for this year. Don't forget to pick up some local holly for decorating around the home. Once again, watch for signs of the local holly farmers in Island County.
You may obtain a publication called "How to Buy a Christmas Tree" for a small fee from our office. You can also pick up a free "Choose & Cut Map" of local Christmas tree farms.
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