I went through the Festival of Lights at James Island County
Park this past weekend. Another outstanding display of lights this year, plus
the sand castle, train, walk around displays, shops and all the “fair food!” If
you’re a kid, does Christmas still seems like it takes forever to get here? It
sure comes up quick to me!
I wanted to get this yearly Christmas Tree article out
early, so you could make plans to go to a local Christmas Tree Farm, find a
local source for a cut tree, or use a live tree that you could use in your
landscape after the holidays, if you were so inclined.
After Thanksgiving, many of you will be searching for a
Christmas tree. If you are going to buy a
cut tree, consider buying it from a local business that is here year-round like
a garden center. If you buy it from a
tent, or a temporary site, look for one that is run by the Exchange Club,
Optimist Club, Rotary Club, a local church, a local school club, a local
landscaper or another local organization.
Many local organizations that sell trees give a portion of the profits
to local charities such as Camp Happy Days.
There are some people from out of state that set up tents in
grocery store parking lots. They take their profits out of state when they
leave. If you support our local businesses, then you keep our money in our
local economy and maybe save a local job. Very important to always keep profits
local, especially these days.
Many of the local garden centers offer great Christmas gifts
along with trees this time of year. They
have purchased many seasonal items that would be a great present for anyone.
Gift certificates are usually available for the hard to shop for gardener. Shopping at a garden center is a great way to
avoid long lines. The parking is free and
plentiful this time of year.
Have you ever considered a live tree? Different Hollies
(right now you can tell the females with beautiful berries), Leyland Cypress,
Eastern Red Cedar, Little Gem Magnolias, Osmanthus, Deodara Cedar and many more
make great trees and after the holidays you can plant them in your yard instead
of throwing them to the curb.
Local tree farms are also an option. A ride in the country
is always a good family event (how much longer will it take to get there?). Noel’s Christmas Tree Farm on Johns Island
and Too Goo Doo Tree Farm on the way to Edisto are two local tree farms. Picking out your own tree is fun for the
whole family and usually involves hot chocolate and hay rides. You know you are
getting a fresh tree when you cut it yourself.
If you go with a traditional cut tree, make sure it is in
water at the place you buy it (unless it is coming fresh off of the truck), and
make sure it stays in water until you take it to the curb. Once you bring it home cut an inch off of the
bottom of the tree and place it in a 5 gallon bucket of water. While the tree is still outside, consider
spraying the tree with Transfilm, Cloud Cover or Wilt Proof to keep the water
loss through the leaves at a minimum. If you notice any insects on the tree,
blast it with a strong stream of water or consider an insecticidal soap. Let
the tree dry before bringing it into the house.
Locate your tree within your house away from heating ducts
and the fireplace. A stand that can hold
a lot of water is a big plus because a fresh cut Christmas tree can drink 1-2
gallons of water per day. Have one
responsible adult in charge of watering the Christmas tree daily to avoid
ruining the carpet or floors. If you
can, fill (2) one gallon milk jugs each day and let them sit for 24 hours, this
will allow the chlorine to evaporate out of the water. Letting the chlorine evaporate from the water
you water your plants, is a practice you should use when watering all house
plants.
There are many secrets to keeping a tree fresh. Having a fresh cut and keeping water above
this cut at all times is the most important thing you can do for the tree. The water conducting vessels quickly close up
if the tree does not have constant water.
Using a drop of Super Thrive in each gallon of water will help the tree
stay fresh. Many people use 7-up and an aspirin in the water.
Thank you for all of your letters, questions and for reading
The Horticulture Hotline!
