Choosing and Caring for Your Fresh Cut Tree

For many, Christmas just isn't Christmas without a real Christmas tree. Here are some hints to help you select that perfect tree for your home.

• Decide on where you will place the tree. Will it be seen from all sides or will some of it be up against a wall?
• Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as TVs, fireplaces, radiators and air ducts. Place the tree clear
• Measure the height and width of the space you’ve chosen. There is nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it's too tall. Remember to consider the height of your tree topper too!
• Remember, if the tree is displayed in front of a large window, you will want all four sides to look as good as possible. If it will be displayed against a wall, then a tree with three good sides would be okay. A tree with two good sides would work well in a corner.
• Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and 6-8 inches long so it will fit easily into your tree stand.

Choosing a fresh tree:

As mentioned, when choosing a fresh tree be sure your tree is healthy. There should be very few brown needles, they should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree. It is normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.

Fraser Fir

The Fraser Fir may be the perfect holiday tree and is by far our most popular. It's beautiful 1" soft silvery-green needles have a nice fragrance. With the perfect spacing of its needles, the Fraser is easier to decorate than other trees and its firm branches hold heavier ornaments well. Fraser Firs grow to almost perfect shapes. With proper watering, the Fraser Fir has excellent needle retention.

Balsam Fir

The Balsam Fir is a beautiful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches. Although it holds ornaments well, it may not be the best tree for heavier ornaments. It has an attractive form, holds its needles well, and gives off a beautiful fragrance for your home.

Eastern White Pine

Branches from the White Pine are often used in garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces due to their long, feathery, soft needles. Though it is a beautiful tree, branches can be a bit too flexible to support heavier decorations. Its lush fullness also makes it difficult to squeeze in ornaments. The White Pine needles are retained well when properly watered.

Note: When you are checking out, remember to pick up a tree removal bag. It can be used as a tree skirt and then pulled up around the tree to help keep the floors clean when the tree is being taken down.

Now that you and your family have chosen that perfect tree it's time to bring it home. Cover your tree with a tarp or plastic for the trip home to keep it from drying out. Wind will suck moisture out of your tree very quickly. Note: at Gertens we will wrap it and secure it to your vehicle.

Keeping your tree fresh:

• If you are not putting the tree up right away, store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold (freezing) temperatures. Make a fresh one-inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.
• When you decide to bring the tree indoors, make another fresh one inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water, or a rule of thumb is one quart of water for every inch of diameter of the trunk.
• Be sure to keep the water level above the base of the tree. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water, drying it out quickly. You do not need to add anything to the water. No commercially prepared mixes, aspirin, sugar or other additives are necessary.
• Check all Christmas tree lights for worn electrical cords. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Unplug tree lights at night. Learn more about lights with our experts videos.
• Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree. LED lights are a great alternative to incandescent lights and are much more energy efficient.
• Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for will last at least five weeks before drying out. Use a Christmas tree removal bag to pull up around your tree so you won't leave a trail of needles as you take it out of your house.Recycle your tree after Christmas. Many communities will pick up trees and turn them into chips or mulch. If you have space outdoors, you could also take it outside and leave for shelter for wildlife until spring.
• Visit us at Gertens to see our vast Christmas tree selection this holiday season. We’ll help you find the perfect tree for your home, as well as any accessories you might need to have. Merry Christmas!

The experts at Gerten are always available to answer your questions!