Tree Selection
Christmas Trees Print

Noble Fir: It is a hearty, long-lasting species known for its beauty. The needles turn upward, exposing the lower branches which are stiff and can hold heavy ornaments. It is popular as a tree and is used in wreaths, swags and garland.

Grand Fir: It is easily distinguished from other Pacific Northwest firs by its sprays of lustrous needles in two distinct rows that are usually horizontally spread so that both the upper and lower sides of the branches are clearly visible. The needles are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long with glossy, dark-green tops.

Douglas-fir: It has soft, dark green-blue needles that are approximately 1 – 1 ¼ inches in length. The needles radiate in all directions for the branch. When crushed, they have a sweet fragrance.

Tree Care

How to Keep Your Tree Fresh

  1. Make a fresh cut.
    1. Cut at least one-half inch off the butt of the tree to open the pores which have been clogged by sap. This allows the tree more efficiently absorb water.
    2. Put the tree in water as soon as possible following fresh cut before pores may clog again.
    3. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
    4. Don’t whittle the sides of the trunk to fit stand. The outer layers of the wood are the most efficient in taking up water.
  2. Keep in water.
    1. Place tree in a sturdy stand with 1quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
    2. Store in bucket of water if not going in stand right away.
  3. Water daily.
    1. An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water a day.
    2. If the water drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed without making a fresh cut.
    3. Temperature of water does not affect water uptake and is no important.
  4. Keep away from heat sources.
    1. The tree should not be placed near heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts radiators or television sets.
    2. Use lights that produce low heat.
    3. Always turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
    4. Do not overload electrical circuits.
  5. Recycle your tree.
    1. Before the tree dries, remove it from the house. Call your recycling center for service or information on recycling.
    2. Tree bags are a clean and easy way to remove the tree after Christmas. You simply place trunk thru the bag before placing in stand. The bag lays neatly beneath your tree skirt. Before removing tree, pull the bag over the top of the tree and all the needles will stay in the bag.