LOVELOCK - It is that time of year when many families bring the beauty and fragrance of a real Christmas tree into their homes as part of their holiday celebration. In so doing, they are following a tradition that dates to before Christianity and one that is not exclusive to any single religion. During Winter Solstice, early humans used evergreen boughs or entire trees in magical rites intended to secure protection of their homes and the return of vegetation in the spring. Romans decorated their homes with evergreens to celebrate Saturnalia, a winter festival honoring Saturnus, their god of agriculture. During the Middle Ages, Christians in Germany used an evergreen hung with red apples in their Christmas Eve "Adam and Eve's Day play," depicting the events in the Garden of Eden.
Each year many families will select their Christmas tree at a tree lot or cut their own tree. No matter where or how the tree is obtained, the Christmas tree experience will be more enjoyable if the tree selected is the appropriate species, is the proper size, is clean and fresh, and is provided the proper care during the holiday season and disposed of in an effective manner once the holiday season is over.
A cut Christmas tree will last the entire holiday season without becoming excessively dry or dropping an excessive amount of needles provided it is fresh when purchased and it is given the proper care.
Giving the tree
the proper care
The key to maintaining a fresh Christmas tree throughout the holiday season is giving the tree proper care from the time it is purchased until it is disposed of. If the tree has been cut within six to eight hours of purchase, it will not need to be recut; longer than that and it should be recut. Cut straight across the trunk (not at an angle) removing an inch or more from the bottom of the trunk. Be sure the container holds enough water and replenish it often enough that the water does not fall below the level of the trunk bottom. If it does, the trunk will begin to seal, and water absorption will be reduced or cease. When this occurs, a fresh cut must be made to remove the sap seal. Cut Christmas trees will absorb a surprising amount of water, particularly during the first week. A tree with a two-inch diameter trunk may initially use two quarts of water per day; one with a four-inch diameter trunk may use more than four quarts per day.
Setting up and caring for the tree
The lower the temperature and the higher the humidity, the longer a cut Christmas tree will last. If possible, turn down the temperature or close (at least partially) the heat vents in the room where the tree is located. Do not locate the tree near sources of heat such as a fireplace, an open heat duct or a radiator, or in front of a window that receives the direct rays of the sun.
Be sure that the tree stand will hold an adequate amount of water (most would suggest a one- gallon minimum; more for large trees) and that it is replenished on a daily basis. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying out, becoming brittle, and dropping off; the branches from drooping and then becoming brittle; and it keeps the tree fragrant.
But always remember; never leave a lighted Christmas tree unattended. National Fire Protection Agency estimates that Christmas trees, both natural and artificial, were the item first ignited in an estimated average of 240 reported home structure fires per year during 2005-2009. These fires caused an estimated average of 13 civilian deaths, 27 civilian injuries and $16.7 million in direct property damage per year.
Taking down the tree
Take the tree down at the end of the season or when it has become too dry. Research has shown that fresh-cut Christmas trees of the species commonly sold should last at least four weeks before drying to an unacceptable level. Certainly a little judgment must be used in evaluating when to remove the tree.
Disposing of the tree
After the holiday season, a Christmas tree can be disposed of in a variety of ways. Many communities have curbside pick-up or drop-off locations for recycling or disposing of Christmas trees. Christmas trees can be chipped and used for mulch or composted. Christmas trees can be set up in your yard or garden as a shelter or feeder for birds or other wildlife. This is most commonly done by simply securing the tree in a standing position and hanging suet or other food in the foliage.
If you decide to purchase a real Christmas tree this year, I would recommend buying one from the Lovelock Lions Clubs. They have an excellent selection of affordable trees.
From the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in Pershing County, we wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.[[In-content Ad]]
