IANR News: Keep Christmas Trees Fresh and Safe

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — During this holiday season many Nebraska families will choose and decorate the traditional symbol of Christmas - the evergreen tree.

"Whether you cut your own Christmas tree or purchase it from a retail lot, there are several things that can be done to keep the tree as fresh as possible," said Jon Wilson, district forester at the University of Nebraska West Central Research & Extension Center (WCREC).

When inspecting Christmas trees, Wilson recommended doing a freshness test.

"Grasp a branch gently between thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you. If many needles come off, the tree isn't fresh. Check the bottom of the stump as well. It should be moist," he said.

Wilson also recommended looking at the ground. If an excessive amount of green needles are on the ground, the tree isn't fresh. The shedding of brown needles from the interior of the tree is normal and occurs throughout the life of the tree.

If the tree is purchased several days before it will be put up, it should be stored in a cool, protected place outdoors. Once at home, cut a thin slice from the butt end of the tree to open up pores, then stand the tree upright in a bucket of water.

When the tree is brought indoors for decorating, a straight cut should be made across the butt of the tree about one inch from the original cut and place it in a tree stand with water.

"Trees are thirsty," emphasized Wilson. "They can take in between two pints and a gallon of water per day. Use a tree stand that holds at least one gallon and check the water level daily to make sure it does not drop below the trunk."

If the water level falls below the base of the tree, a sap seal will form over the cut base. This will prevent the tree from absorbing water when the stand is refilled, and may result in needle loss and drooping branches. To remedy this problem, another fresh cut can be made across the base of the tree.

The tree should be kept away from fireplaces, radiators, television and other heat sources, which can dry the tree. Turn off the tree lights when leaving home and before going to sleep. Make sure light cords do not have cracked insulation or any broken sockets.

Avoid using combustible decorations. Check all electric lights and connections, making sure there are no lights with worn or frayed cords. Never use lighted candles. Christmas trees can be sprayed with a flame retardant, such as Fire-Kote, to reduce the fire hazard potential of the tree.

"When it is time to dispose of the tree, check with your area Game & Parks Office. Some offices collect Christmas trees to use as fish hotels in area lakes," Wilson said.

Although natural Christmas trees usually are not reusable for their original purpose, there are many other purposes for which the trees can be used. The trunks and the branches of Christmas trees make excellent mulch. Many communities have adopted programs for chipping Christmas trees to mulch. For information on any local program, contact the local department of public works.

Large quantities of Christmas trees can be piled up to create soil erosion barriers. Christmas trees sunk into private ponds can be excellent refuge and feeding areas for fish. Christmas trees can also be used as backyard bird feeders. Birds will come for the food (suet, orange slices and birdseed) left by the tree and stay for the shelter from predators and weather the tree provides.

For more information on Christmas tree care, NebGuide G88-866-A , "Christmas Tree Selection and Care," is available at local Cooperative Extension offices. It includes tree care tips, the merits of various tree species and provides plans and directions for building an inexpensive tree stand.

Another excellent source for information on Christmas trees is the Christmas tree homepage on the Internet. The web site is sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association and has facts and figures about Christmas tree selection, care, types and environmental benefits.

Jon Wilson
West Central Research & Extension Center
District Forester
(308) 532-3611 - Ext. 139

T.L. Meyer
Communications Associate - West Central Research Extension Center
(308) 532-3611 - ext. 150

Department:
West Central Research & Extension Center