There’s nothing wrong with using the same Christmas decorations over and over again every year, many decorations hold fond memories or have been handmade so you don’t want to change them. You also have to consider the expense of everything. However if you have been using the same old artificial tree for the past 10 years then it might be a nice change this year to order an attractive real Christmas tree and spoil the whole family.
If you have decided to buy a real Christmas tree grown on a farm, you can be sure that is not cut until you actually make the order. Then expect delivery next day. Although more expensive your tree is often in much better shape and will last longer.
By choosing a real Christmas tree, in favour of an artificial one, you are contributing to saving the environment. Real trees are an asset to the environment from the time they are planted until Christmas is over and they can be recycled.
During the growing process Christmas trees sustain life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases, while releasing oxygen. Christmas farms also help to stabilize the soil, care for water supplies, and supply shelter for local wildlife.
Real Christmas trees are also recyclable. Once the Christmas festivities are over the branches and trunk will biodegrade and can be turned into mulch. If you have a pond then sinking the tree into it will provide the fish with food.
We all know Christmas is an expensive time of year and any small way we can find to save money helps. If you buy your Christmas tree online you will find websites that offer a Christmas tree and stand package, saving you money if you buy the two together. An added advantage to buying your tree or decorations online is free delivery.
A cut Christmas tree is only cut once the order has been placed; this is what makes it such a high quality. When it arrives on your doorstep, it is as fresh as can be. It’s essential to take good care of a real Christmas tree as otherwise it will not last as long as it could. Central heating can cause it to wilt and suck all the moisture out of its needles, causing them to shed all over your carpet. Don’t place your real tree directly next to a source of heat, such as a heater or radiator if you want it looking good for as long as possible.
If you are not ready to bring your tree into the house just yet, then store it, still in its netting as this will keep the branches protected, in a sheltered area in a bucket of water. Before bringing it indoors remove around half an inch from the stump as this will open the pores and allow water to pass through the trunk to keep it full of moisture. A dried out tree won’t look fresh and the green needles will lose their dark luxurious colour. Also give the tree a little shake to remove any loose needles to prevent them shedding on the floor inside and creating a mess.
Choosing the right stand for your tree is essential for appearances and safety reasons. The right size stand will ensure you can fill it with enough water to keep the tree full of moisture. A real Christmas tree actually needs a lot of water to keep it fresh looking. A quality Christmas tree stand will support the tree and protect against it falling over and causing damage to the tree itself or your property, and keep younger members of your family safe and sound.
Remove the netting from the tree once it is in the house and place it in the appropriate sized tree stand. Whilst the tree is in the house check the stand always has a sufficient level of water and set it up in a cool area.
Christmas tree care is simple, just keep it watered and if you follow the above guidelines correctly then you will have a very happy Christmas and be able to enjoy looking at your tree all over the Christmas period.
Article by Michiel Van Kets
4eva21 - 15 years ago
Pop a disprin or panadol (headache remedy) into your water and this will stop the pine needles from dropping. Works every time!