Gardening Tip of the Month

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Tips on Fresh Cut Christmas Trees

For many families getting a fresh cut Christmas tree is a tradition and nothing out of the ordinary at the start of the holiday season. For those just starting out or willing to experiment with a fresh cut tree, purchasing a fresh cut tree could leave them with many questions. The following information is from the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.

North Carolina Christmas Trees

• Differences in Christmas Tree species.  The biggest difference among Christmas tree species is their appearance.  There is also a difference on how long they will last post harvest.  Two of the longest lasting trees, which are sold at Delhi, include the Fraser fir and the Douglas fir.
• Make a fresh cut.  Removing a thin disk (1/4 to 1/2 inch) off the trunk before placing the tree in a water holding stand is all that is needed. It is always a good practice to make a new cut before putting the tree into the stand.
  
• Watering.  The tree should be watered on a daily basis.  A tree may take up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours.  Preservatives are not needed, just plenty of fresh water.  As a general rule, a tree can use up to a quart of water per day for each inch of stem diameter. The warmer the temperature and the lower the relative humidity where the tree is displayed, the greater the amount of water required by the tree.
• Split tree trunks. It should not affect the ability of the tree to take up water, assuming a fresh cut is made on the base, nor have any effect on how long the tree lasts after it is displayed.
  
• Additional precautions.  Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring.  Do not overload electric circuits.  Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.  Remember, no Christmas tree has ever started a fire – something else had to burn first.

Delhi Flower and Garden Center has a wide variety of greenery, fresh cut trees, and artificial greenery and trees as well as all the accessories associated with these products. Look for our ads with valuable coupons in the Enquirer and the Post.

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