So, I bought a live tree… Now what?
This is a question that is often asked by people who have cut down their own tree or that have purchased a pre-cut tree, whether it is from a farm, a local lot or retail store. It is amazing how long a tree that has been cut and shipped from another state can actually survive after being harvested. The tree actually immediately heals itself by putting a barrier on the exposed cut, this is called a scab. This allows the tree to hold its natural moisture, unfortunately that will not last forever. It is now our job and your job as a live Christmas tree owner to do everything possible to help it retain its freshness during the Christmas season.
We don’t know exactly when the pre-cuts we received were cut so it is vital to take care of their needs as best we can. When we receive the pre-cut trees we do our best to keep them out of the major elements. We attempt to cover them with burlap or put them inside structures (if able) and try to keep them watered as much as possible. If it is an unusually warm season and windy this can make our jobs much harder. Most of the trees we receive come from the Carolina’s, Oregon, Washington, or Michigan. The climate and elevation are so different in those states than that of Oklahoma.
Tree care tips can vary from one person to the next. I will attempt to give you some basic suggestions from my personal experience, the Farmer’s Almanac and from other Christmas tree associations.
TREE CARE: FOUR SIMPLE STEPS
**Water is the most critical to the survival of your fresh cut and pre-cut trees**
1. MAKE A FRESH CUT
At our farm your tree should have had a small cut removed from the trunk and the center drilled. The drill is for two purposes, one to open the core to receive water and if you have a pin style stand. We make the cut from the bottom to remove the “scab” to allow water to penetrate the trunk. If you are going to wait for a few hours to put the tree in stand or you have a long trip home you may want to wait to cut the “scab” or shave a small amount off the trunk again when you get to your destination.
2. Choose a spot away from heat source
Heat sources like heat registers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stove, televisions, computer monitors, etc. speed up evaporation and moisture loss of the tree. Not to mention we don’t want anything to cause potential damage to your tree or home.
3. Water Immediately
After making the fresh cut, place the tree in a large capacity stand with warm water. The stand you use should hold at least the appropriate size of tree. Stands are sized according to the height of trees. This allows for stability and also proper water allotment. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE check water daily. Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal and not be able to drink. Christmas trees are very thirsty! It is not unusual for a tree to drink 2 gallons of water the first day it is the stand.
4. Do I add anything to the water?
At our farm your tree should have had a small cut removed from the trunk and the center drilled. The drill is for two purposes, one to open the core to receive water and if you have a pin style stand. We make the cut from the bottom to remove the “scab” to allow water to penetrate the trunk. If you are going to wait for a few hours to put the tree in stand or you have a long trip home you may want to wait to cut the “scab” or shave a small amount off the trunk again when you get to your destination.
After I am done with the tree what do I do?
Please feel to reach out to us if you are looking or need a place to bring back the tree after the season. We will have designated days and times to recycle your tree with us.
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Harrah, Oklahoma
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