The Christmas Tree - E Letter

Thanksgiving really marks the optimal time to plant bulbs in our area.  I am aware, however, that many of you will actually be shopping for Christmas trees this week-end.  You will undoubtedly already have decided something about size, and you probably know what kind of tree you want.  You know if it will be against a wall where a “flat side” is acceptable or if it needs to be full all the way around.

Perhaps more important than those criteria is freshness.  If you purchase a tree on a lot, you might as well buy it soon after the lot receives it so that you can make efforts to keep it fresh at home.  While you’re walking around the tree, notice how fresh the needles are.  If you shake the tree or drop it a couple of inches, older needles in the interior can be expected to fall off.  Young green needles on the outside of the tree should remain attached.  If those newer needles are shedding, look for another tree.

Once you get the tree home, you should take steps to keep it fresh and well watered.  Saw off about an inch from the bottom of the trunk to remove old clogged vessels.  Then place the trunk in a bucket of water.  Keep it in a protected location away from wind and out of the sun for a few days.  Check it daily and add more water as necessary.  After a few days the amount of water the tree uses will slack off and you can prepare to bring the tree inside.

When you bring it in, you may want to cut the base of the trunk again.  The tree should be placed away from heat sources.  Place it in a stand that will hold water and check the water level daily.  Researchers have tested a lot of additives that are sometimes suggested to preserve the tree.  So far they have found nothing better than just plain water.  Some additives actually result in excessive drying.

When placing lights on the tree, check all electrical cords for wear and damage.  Do not use damaged cords.  Turn off lights on the tree when leaving home.  If the tree dries out or begins to shed needles, stop using lights on the tree.

If you have selected a live tree for replanting several factors can affect long term survival.  First is species selection.  Firs, spruces, and white pines are not predicted to do well in central N.C.  You may be lucky, but you’ll increase your chances with red cedar or Virginia pine.  Second, avoid selecting very large trees.  Smaller trees are easier to handle and experience less transplant shock.  Select a tree no more than 5 to 6 feet tall with a proportionate root ball.

To enhance survival keep the tree in the house no more than a week and do not place lights on the tree.  Consider using an external spotlight to show off the tree.  Keep it away from heat sources and reduce the interior temperature.  The tree may need to be watered while inside.  The root ball may be placed in a large tub or wrapped in plastic to protect indoor surfaces.  Placing crushed ice on the root ball allows water to soak in slowly with less mess.  Avoid overwatering; the root ball should be moist but not saturated.

After Christmas, prepare an area outdoors for planting.  Dig a hole 4 to 5 times wider than the root ball but not deeper than the depth of the root ball.  Natural burlap can be folded down and left under the roots; synthetics must be removed completely.  Brush soil away from the top and look for the trunk flare to make sure it is no deeper than the surrounding soil grade.  Backfill with the original soil and leave a low ridge around the hole to contain water.  Water well immediately after planting and mulch about 2-3 inches deep.  Do not pile mulch around the trunk.

Eventually, you will need to provide other cultural practices such as watering, fertilizing, pest management, and shaping.  It takes a lot of commitment but you may be rewarded.

Whatever kind of tree you use, remember the growers’ mantra:  real trees make scents.  Consider buying a tree from one of our local growers.  Christmas tree growers in Chatham County include:

High Hopes Farm, 542.4803

Jordan Lake Christmas Tree Farm, 362.6300

Meadowview Farm, 542.9974

They are all listed online at http://www.ncfarmfresh.com/farms.asp

At the website, use the pull down menus to select Christmas Trees and Chatham County.

alcooke