Have you noticed how ‘real’ artificial Christmas trees look today? Take a stroll around your local garden centre and you will discover festive trees of every type - from cedars to pines, spruce to fir, and more. Not only will you find a large selection of trees, but an unbelievable collection of decorative garlands and baubles with which to decorate them.
You could say, where the ‘perfect Christmas tree’ is concerned, that the producers of natural trees are striving to create specimens that look as good as the artificial trees!
I suggest that you try a new decorating theme this year. This could simply be new colour combinations, or a favourite hobby theme - gardening for example! This is your tree and you can put your creative talents to work here to surprise and delight your family. I know of fly fishermen, baseball and hockey fanatics, and even a knitter (my wife!) who decorate their Christmas tree according to their passion for a particular pastime.
If you crave a real ‘living’ tree as opposed to the ‘ready-made’, easily storable, variety, I have some wonderful news for you. These trees are now widely available and you will find a selection unequalled in past years in terms of selection. Look for one new variety of fir called the Canaan Fir – a cross between a Frazer Fir and a Balsam Fir. The fragrance and colour is exceptional.
The best time for cutting most Christmas trees is from early to the end of November. At this time of year an evergreen tree begins to react to the shorter hours of daylight and cooler temperatures, and this signals the tree to increase the amounts of moisture sent to the root zone to assist in its survival during the winter months. This in turn begins to deplete the moisture normally sent to the needles and branches, creating a less green and drier tree. It is important the grower supplying your tree is experienced and knowledgeable in the timing of tree cutting.
Personally I prefer a natural ‘plantation-grown’ tree. Not only does it have a uniquely fresh scent that fills the room, but it also provides a great tactile experience, especially important to kids. Give them the opportunity to not only observe, but also feel the different textures of the needles. Life is a learning process and the best way for kids to learn is by hands-on experience.
I am often asked if purchasing a cut tree is environmentally friendly. Absolutely yes - as long as it has been plantation grown, and not taken from wild stands. Tree farms in Ontario grow these trees as an agricultural crop – the trees consume carbon dioxide and release pure oxygen, as well as creating an effective wild life habitat and stabilizing marginal farmland.
Once inside your home your tree will last between one and two weeks, depending upon the type of tree and your attention to its basic requirements.
Cut 1-2cm from the base of the trunk prior to taking inside. (Most knowledgeable and experienced garden centers will do this for you.). Once inside it is important that the tree stand is kept filled with water with the addition of a Christmas tree water-soluble preservative. Check the water level at least once per day during the first couple of weeks and every other day closer to Christmas. Initially the tree takes up large quantities of water to effectively hydrate the evergreen needles as it adjusts to your centrally-heated home.
To further prolong the life of your perfect tree, locate it away from heat vents. When selecting tree lights, choose the smaller varieties, and never be tempted to use lighted candles. Another good tip for extending the life of your tree is to spray it with an anti-desiccant, such as ‘Wilt Pruf’ before bringing it inside. Spraying the upper and lower surface of the needles will noticeably assist in retaining moisture.
Before you set off with the family to choose your perfect Christmas tree here are some of the choices available. Decide which is the right tree for you.
Balsam Fir
This is the original evergreen to
