Community Corner
Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree This Year
Tips from local certified arborist at Davey Tree for selecting the right tree
For many, the holiday season officially begins with the yearly hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. With a freshly cut Christmas tree, the tradition of the quest makes memories that last a lifetime.
"There's nothing quite like a live tree,” says Richard E. Close District Manager at The Davey Tree Expert Company in New Jersey. “It's the scent and spirit of the holiday.”
As a tree expert, he has one secret tip for finding the perfect tree this year: "Pick one that speaks to you," Close says. “A good quality, healthy tree will last for weeks with proper care and maintenance.”
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When perusing the lot, Close suggests testing the branches and needles of the trees for freshness. “Run your fingers along the needles, grab the branches and bounce the tree a little,” he explains. “If the tree is fresh, very few needles should fall off. If many do, it's a sure sign that the tree was cut long-ago and has not been watered enough.”
Each variety of Christmas tree has its own personality. Below Close outlines the pros and cons of some of the most popular species.
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- Douglas Fir
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Scotch and Eastern White Pine
- Firs, including Balsam, Fraser and Canaan
- Living Christmas Trees
Once the perfect Christmas tree has made its way home, Close has one suggestion for keeping it fresh. “Water,” he says, “is the essential ingredient for maintaining Christmas tree freshness.”
Water prevents needles from drying and dropping off and helps maintain fragrance. Trees may drink up to several quarts a day, so check the water level daily.
Keep the Green Growing by Tree-Cycling
When the holidays are over, make sure to recycle the tree. Each year, 93% of Christmas trees are recycled and turned into mulch for landscapes, gardens or chipped for use in playgrounds and hiking trails.
Nationally, there are 4,000 available recycling programs. Most municipalities will collect trees during their regular pickup schedules in the two weeks following Christmas. Check with your municipality or the local recycling center about tree-cycling. Before recycling the Christmas tree, remove all non-organic décor, like lights and ornaments.
Hopefully, these tips from the experts on how to choose and care for a Christmas tree help. Questions? Call a local certified tree care specialist at Davey Tree.
The Davey Tree Expert Company, with U.S. and Canadian operations in more than 45 states and five provinces, provides a variety of tree care, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, commercial, utility and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey is employee-owned and has more than 7,000 employees who provide Proven Solutions for a Growing World. For more information, visit www.davey.com.