Garden Minute - Caring for Your Christmas Tree
This is Jason Lamb
with your Gardening Minute.
It’s that time of
year again to get a Christmas tree. Christmas trees can be a fun and
decorative addition to the holiday season but they can also dry out and become
potential fire hazards if not properly cared for.
When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half
its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the
quality of your tree. The most effective way to display your tree is in a
traditional reservoir type stand which will maintain its freshness and
minimizing needle loss problems.
Use a stand that fits your
tree. As a general rule, stands should
provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Avoid whittling
the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the
most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
Make a fresh cut to remove
about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting
the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. The tree
should be mounted within 8 hours of the cut.
Check the stand daily to
make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. Keep trees away from major
sources of heat and do not overload electrical circuits and Always turn off the
tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
If you are interested in learning more
about Christmas tree care please contact us at the
Cooperative Extension Office at 461-0562. This has been your Gardening Minute
with Jason Lamb your Quay County Ag. Extension Agent. Where are programs are
open to everyone.
