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Selecting and Preserving Your Fresh Cut Christmas Tree

Because we buy so many trees, our growers cut our trees just prior to loading them on trucks for delivery to us. This helps insure that we always have the freshest trees possible for our customers.

Some Considerations Before Buying Your Tree

1. Decide in advance what height tree you need. Remember a taller tree can be cut off from the bottom and excess branches used for other decorations. Also, keep in mind most ceilings are 7-8 feet tall. Make sure you allow enough room for your tree stand and tree topper.
2. If you're planning to place the tree in a corner, keep in mind that it doesn't have to be perfectly shaped.
3. Consider how long your tree will be up, the temperature the tree will be exposed to and select the kind of tree with the needle retention that you need.
   

Care of Your Fresh Cut Tree

1. Store your tree outside in a sheltered area in a bucket of water (a cold garage is ideal - wind will dry out the tree) until you are ready to trim it. If it is going to be a week or more before you decorate, make a fresh straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut. This opens the tree stem so it can take up water. Then plunge the trunk end immediately into fresh water. Keep water above the fresh cut or a new cut will be necessary.
2. If possible, bring the tree into a partially heated area (basement) the night before decorating. This will help it adjust gradually to the warmer temperature.
3. Place the tree as far away from heat sources as possible. These elements will dry your tree and cause it to drop its needles prematurely.
4. Place the tree in a container or stand that will hold water. Mix a tree preservative ( sold in our garden center) with the water as instructed on the package and water the tree daily. Keep water in the container at all times. Proper use of preservatives and water will definitely prolong the needle retention of your tree.

Trees Available at Meadows Farms

Scotch Pine – An old favorite. Excellent at holding needles. Very easy tree to hang ornaments on. Our least expensive premium tree.

Balsam Fir – A favorite northern tree with a strong aromatic smell. Easy to decorate. Natural trees are great for someone with lots of ornaments.

Fraser Fir – Best all-around tree sold at Meadows Farms. Is very aromatic with good needle retention. Very easy to hang ornaments on. This tree is used by Farmer Bill Meadows himself and also our Christmas tree buyer at Christmas.

Douglas Fir – Very thick and full with good needle retention. Easy to decorate. PA grown.

Concolor Fir - Excellent needle retention and holding ornaments. Blue Color add to beauty.

Colorado Blue Spruce - One of the best trees for heavy ornaments. Sticky needles make it hard to handle. Put up late.