December 9, 2004

NDSU Extension Forester Offers Christmas Tree Tips

As Christmas approaches, it’s time to think about the annual tradition of a Christmas tree, according to Joe Zeleznik, North Dakota State University Extension Service forester.

“Although many homes have switched to artificial trees in recent years, there’s nothing like the aroma and beauty of a real Christmas tree to brighten up the home during the holiday season,” he says.

Zeleznik adds that there are other advantages to having a real Christmas tree:

• Trees are naturally biodegradable.
• Trees are produced on small family farms, rather than mass-produced overseas.
• One acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen each day for 18 people.

To determine freshness of the tree, run your hand along the branch in the direction of needle growth. The needles should spring back easily and not shed. Older needles falling out from near the center of the tree are actually a part of normal needle drop and do not indicate a lack of freshness. Each type of tree has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Pines – longer needles (2 to 5 inches depending on species), needles in bundles

• Scotch (Scots) pine – needles 2 to 3 inches, trees often tinted, usually least expensive
• White pine – long needles, very soft, branches not very strong, grown in northern Minnesota

• Spruce – short needles, individual needles, relatively sharp, can grow in North Dakota

• Colorado (blue) spruce – pretty blue color, very sharp, often have early needle drop
• White (Black Hills) spruce – darker, sometimes bluish tint, softer needles than blue spruce

• Fir – short, individual needles, not sharp, rarely grown in North Dakota, outstanding aroma

• Balsam fir – short, dark green needles, best aroma
• Frasier fir – very similar to balsam fir
• White (concolor) fir – needles 1 to 2 inches long, curve up around branch, lighter colored

• Less-common Christmas trees include Douglas fir, red (Norway) pine and Norway spruce

“Once you’ve selected a tree and brought it home, it should be stored in a cool, dark and sheltered place until you’re ready to put it up,” Zeleznik says. “Before putting it up, cut approximately 1 inch off of the base to create a fresh-cut surface for water uptake. Place the bottom of the tree in a container of water, and it’s ready for display. Keep the container filled and don’t let the tree dry out.”

Putting up the tree by a heat register or near a blower or fan also will make the tree dry out quicker. Although candles are very pretty as holiday decorations, avoid putting them near the tree, as they may create a fire hazard.

After the holidays are over and it’s time for the tree to come down, there are several options for disposal. Most cities have some kind of program for recycling Christmas trees into compost or mulch. Consult your local sanitation department for details. Another option is to simply prop up the used Christmas tree outdoors, where it will provide some winter shelter for birds and other small animals.

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Source: Joe Zeleznik, (701) 231-8143, joseph.zeleznik@ndsu.edu
Editor: Teresa Oe, (701) 231-8371, teresa.oe@ndsu.edu

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