Christmas Tree Facts & Care
Christmas Tree Facts & Care
It used to be that the holiday season didn't begin until the family went and chose a tree. Then the fun of decorating it and, of course, putting the brightly colored gifts underneath. Many families still gather 'round the tree for various traditions, from carol singing to looking back on the year. The scent of and aroma of a Christmas tree can fill you with peace and contentment. Add in some hot cocoa, snowflakes falling outside, "It's A Wonderful Life" on the TV....
More than 37 million families still celebrate with a real Christmas tree.
Christmas trees have been a tradition for over 400 years. You can make it one of your family traditions too, if it isn't already. Here's some hints to help you choose and care for your tree!
1.Freshness Test: Gently hold a branch between your thumb and finger, then pull it towards you. If the tree is fresh, very few needles will come off in your hand. Reach in a grasp the trunk and shake the tree. Again, you shouldn't see an lot of needles fall off. Some, of course, is normal, just not too much.
2.Keep your tree in a sheltered area until you're ready to put it up and decorate it. Make sure it's in an unheated spot too. You want to protect it from the wind and sun, so try your garage or porch.
3.Make a straight, fresh, cut across the base of the trunk about 1/4 inch up from the original cut. Put the tree in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water.
4.Keep the tree stand filled with water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.
5.Your tree can absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping. Water also keeps the tree fragrant.
6.Place your tree away from heat sources and drafts (like fireplaces, heating vents, radiators, televisions) Test your lights. Cords and connections should be checked for cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets.
SAFTEY Precautions:
1.Keep your tree watered! Check it every day!
REMEMBER: If your tree get too dry, it can become much more of a fire hazard!
2.If you have young children or pets, try not to leave them in the room with your tree unsupervised. New puppies and babies can be kept away with a baby fence, or a baby gate blocking the room off from them entirely. *I had an Alaskan Malamute once who would eat ANYTHING, and I have had cats who thought the Christmas tree was a new playtoy for them alone, with all these wonderful dangly things hanging down and tempting them. *
3.Always turn off and unplug your lights whenever you're leaving the house or going to bed for the night.
Your Christmas tree is a thing of beauty!
