Artificial Or Natural -- Choosing The Christmas Tree That's Right For You

Shreveport Times

With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, we all know that Christmas will be here almost before we can turn around twice. And in a majority of the homes across our country preparations for the Christmas holidays are already underway. This generally means that shoppers will be out in force looking for the perfect Christmas tree. Now comes the time for decisions. What kind of tree will be the best choice? Will it be some species of evergreen or should an artificial tree be considered? What size best suits your needs — one that stretches from floor to ceiling or one that will fit nicely on a table?

First, let's think about the advantages and disadvantages of artificial versus natural. Artificial trees are usually almost perfect in shape while natural trees may be close to perfect, but typically show a small flaw somewhere in the canopy. These small flaws are rarely a problem as the flaw can be positioned so that it is not noticeable.

Size is limited with artificial trees, while natural trees can be so large that they will not fit into a house. But, after all, how many people can actually use a giant tree from the forest?

Artificial trees more and more are sold with a set of lights already in place, which simply means that decorating is made somewhat easier. You can, of course, still buy artificial trees without lights at a lower price. Natural trees, on the other hand, are not equipped with lights in place. Mother Nature is good and resourceful, but she hasn't figured out yet how to install lights before the trees are harvested.

Storage is still another aspect of artificial compared to natural. Between Christmases, artificial trees must be stored somewhere. Even though many are made to fold to some degree, larger ones consume a good bit of space. With all of the storage facilities you see around the area you get the idea that all too many homes have insufficient storage space and have to rent extra space from the storage businesses. Do you have storage capacity for a large tree when the Christmas holidays are over?

Natural Christmas trees are "short termers." Once harvested from the farm or forest their life span diminishes by the day until in the post-Christmas period they are only of value as compost material, erosion control, temporary bird cover and fish habitats. There is one exception: live trees that are purchased for a brief stint inside the house preparatory to being planted in the landscape can enjoy a long term, beneficial life. Species for this purpose must be carefully chosen, however, as a majority of the natural trees offered for sale in our area are northern species that will not survive in our climate.

That brings us to the price of artificial trees and natural trees. Both are expensive for the time that we use them. Since artificial trees, if properly cared for and stored, can last for several years, the per year cost drops the longer the tree is kept and used. Thus, a tree that costs $300 initially and is used for 10 years costs only $30 each year. When used for 20 years, the annual cost is only $15. With natural trees being good only for a single season (with the exception noted above), the purchase price is the total cost for one year. Nostalgia, however, supersedes dollars and cents with many of our senior citizens and they are willing to pay for a natural tree that has the fragrance and look of the trees they have enjoyed for a lifetime. You no doubt will be seeing a lot of good advice relative to buying a natural Christmas tree in the following weeks. I would like to offer the following tips:

Check both price and quality at several places before making a purchase.

Buy a tree of correct size for the place it will be used. Remember that tree stands add to the height of a tree.

Look for freshness. Fresh trees have needles that don't shed easily when you move them, are still sticky at the base of the trunk and usually have a nice smell — a forest fragrance if you will.

Check for branch structure. Strong branches having angles of 45 to 90 degrees with the trunk give better support for heavy decorations.

Observe density of the canopy. Species with more open canopies allow ornaments to be hung deep within the tree while those with dense canopies limit ornament placement to the branch tips.

Know your species. Firs and Leyland cypress tend to stay attractive after being cut for longer periods of time than spruces, pines and cedars.

Cut an inch off the base of the trunk and stand the tree in a tub of water outdoors as soon as you get the tree home. Let it absorb moisture for 12 to 24 hours before moving it into the house. This extends the attractive life considerably. Another way to extend tree life is to spray it with an antidessicant, such as Wilt-Pruf or Cloud-Cover.

Use water stands for longer tree life and reduced fire hazard. Keep stand filled with water.

Expert Tips On Finding The Perfect Christmas Tree

Isanti-Chisago County Star

Ah, the Christmas tree; a staple of the holiday season for many. It is a sweet reminder for the children that Santa is soon coming, while bringing back wonderful childhood memories for adults everywhere.

For generations, families across the world have been decorating trees during the holiday season. From picking it out to cutting it down, it is a time of family bonding and where traditions begin.

While it may seem to be an easy task, there are some things to consider when picking out that perfect tree.

First, there is the type of tree. If children will be near the tree, Nick Wolcyn of Wolcyn Tree Farms & Nursery suggests cutting Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir or White Pine because “they are all very soft to the touch.”

Next are those pesky needles that find their way to the floor, a minor setback, but still worth having that beautiful tree in the home.

“White Pine will lose its needles after about four weeks,” says Wolcyn. “Balsam Fir should hold their needles four to five weeks and Fraser Fir will hold their needles six to eight weeks as long as they are continually watered. White Pine has long needles and loses more than Balsam Fir or Fraser Fir which have shorter needles.”

It is also important to consider how long a tree will be in the home and how to care for it.

“Fraser Fir should last six to eight weeks minimum,” Wolcyn informed. “We have had trees last over three months inside without dropping any needles, but you should get at least six weeks. Balsam Fir should last four to five weeks and Pine should last four weeks.”

He also suggests steering away from Spruce trees as they only last two weeks. When caring for holiday tree, Wolcyn advises fresh water.

“The best way to care for the tree is to give it a fresh cut and continually keep water in the tree stand bowl,” he said. “You need a large enough stand to support and hold water for your tree. If your water dries up and the tree is left without water for more than an hour or two it will seal up and you will have to make a fresh cut.”

The National Christmas Tree Association has a helpful list of tree care items on their Web site at www.christmastree.org/care.cfm.

And if any tree hunters out there enjoy following the trends, Wolcyn suggests going with the short needled, long lasting Balsam and Fraser Fir trees. They are also great because they give off a great fragrance.

Now, once that perfect tree is cut, put up and well cared for, the decorating traditions can begin and continued with the child in each of us.

Your Local Christmas Tree Farm: Oklahoma

GTR Newspapers

The Owasso Tree and Berry Farm has offered a unique holiday experience for families since 1981. Visitors have enjoyed choosing Christmas trees, wreaths and decorations on the farm as much as Bill and Paula Jacobs have enjoyed becoming a part of their traditions.

Nearing retirement, the Jacobs hoped to find an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. They both decided that a Christmas tree farm might be just the ticket.

While establishing the farm, the Jacobs wanted to find a tree that would be the best fit for the area. “Anytime you plant a tree in its native habitat, it is easier to grow and it grows in its best conditions. The Virginia Pine is a fast growing tree that will be large enough to cut in five years.”

This season, Leyland Cypress will be available in the field, adds Bill. “The Leyland Cypress is a hybrid tree that is non-allergenic since it does not produce a bloom or fruit.”

Right before the holidays begin, the trees will be available for tagging. After visitors find the perfect one, a ribbon labeled with their name is wrapped around the tree. Trees remain in the ground until just before Christmas. Tagging will be available the first two weekends before Thanksgiving.

Along with the Virginia Pine and Leyland Cypress, a variety of precut trees are available at the farm including: Fraser, Noble, Grand, Douglas and Nordman Firs.
This year, the Jacobs visited farms in North Carolina to find the best quality trees that are available. When the trees arrive, they are placed in a barn where it is moist and cool.

The secret to a fresh tree, Bill says, is a fresh cut on the bottom. “When a tree is cut, pitch naturally seals the pores. This protects the tree from drying. If a cut is made above the seal, the tree will drink up to one quart of water, per day, per inch of diameter.”

The charming cabin on the farm displays a large variety of holiday decorations and plenty of ornaments to adorn Christmas trees. One of the most popular items is the old world Santa notes Bill. “We also have a handmade wooden ornament that have deer, angels and nativity scenes cut into the wood.”

Hot apple cider and a warm fireplace invite visitors to linger through the unique holiday gifts in the cabin. Two Christmas trees in the center of the cabin display the variety of ornaments for sale. Kids enjoy petting Lucky, the Jacobs’ four-year old golden retriever, when he comes in to warm by the fire.
A variety of greenery is brought in from Oregon and the Jacobs enjoy decorating them when they arrive.

Wreaths are carefully flocked with snow and a variety of bows and ornaments are nestled into the greenery. There are eight sizes to choose from including large 38-inch wreaths.

Visitors have the opportunity to cut their own tree and many enjoy pulling their tree out of the fields. Of course, if visitors prefer, trees can be cut down for them and taken out of the fields on a hayride.

The Jacobs have incorporated many of their own holiday traditions into the farm. Bill loves to see young families create the same memories that he has of growing up. “When I was young, my family always went out to the field and cut an old cedar tree for Christmas. It was a very special thing that we did together.”

Once the trees are brought in from the field, they are shaken clean of loose needles. Tress are then netted and drilled for stands. Each tree is loaded and securely tied for the ride home.

The Jacobs believe that trees should have a purpose even when the holidays are over. Many of the trees are returned to the farm explains Bill. “ Fisherman come by and take the trees to ponds and lakes where they are placed in the water. The trees create habitat for fish.”

After the holidays, Paula uses the trees to create winter habitat for birds. “I always take a few of the trees and make a semicircle with them around our birdfeeder. The birds will come and sit in the trees all day long.”