UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service

458 Highway 98 North

Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578

Phone: (863) 763-6469

E- mail: dfculbert@ifas.ufl.edu

November 26, 2003

Feature Article - for release the week of November 30, 2003

Dan Culbert - Extension Horticulture Agent

By now the Thanksgiving turkey is gone after a long weekend of family, food and football, and we can get back to the important issue at hand - getting ready for Christmas! The day after Thanksgiving is not only the day that real shopping begins, but is the date when many cut Christmas tree lots open for business.

Are you going to have a real tree this year, or use one of those artificial trees that have changed our holiday traditions? Some people have sensitivity to plants in the home, and for others it is just not convenient for them to have a cut tree. Others are concerned about killing our forests by cutting down trees.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, the 34 members of the Florida Christmas Tree Grower’s Association produces over 120,000 cut trees each year, and plant a half million trees each year to replenish their crop. Each year, one acre of Florida Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people, and also supplies valuable wildlife habitat.

Another alternative to cut trees are live trees, those with the roots in a container. They can be enjoyed inside during the holidays and afterwards can be planted in your yard. I’ve recently seen a Weeping Podocarpus tree that has been trained to a pyramid shape, and it will look beautiful as Christmas tree when bows and lights are added.

Which one is right for you? While it is a personal decision for each family, many feel there is little room for comparison between artificial trees and the color and smell of a live tree.

Most locally available cut trees are grown in North Carolina, Michigan, and New York state. However, purchasing a Florida grown tree is good for the environment because less fuel is used in transportation. This also supports the state’s farmers and boosts Florida's economy.

There are a few Christmas tree plantations in north and central Florida where you can cut your own tree. The nearest plantations are in Brevard or Hillsborough County.  Contact the Florida Christmas Tree Association via email at FCTA2003@hotmail.com, or visit the Department of Agriculture’s website for a complete list of growers and other details: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/xmastree/index.htm .

Fresh cut trees should be selected not only on size and shape, but for their needle holding ability. Remember - trees that begin the holiday season too dry are likely to shed their needles inside the home and may become a fire hazard. Here are some tips on selecting a fresh cut Christmas Tree:

Where in your home you will display your tree? What is height of the room? Do you need to have all sides of the tree suitable for display?

 

Freshness is important. Take hold of a branch about six inches from the tip between your thumb and forefinger, then pull your hand toward you allowing the branch to slip through your fingers. The needles should stick to the branch and should be flexible, not brittle.

Bounce the butt end of the stump on the ground to see if any needles drop. If more than a few needles drop, the tree is not fresh. The sap on the tree stump should be sticky and moist, not hard or caked.

The tree should have a good fragrance and good green color. A fresh tree will retain its moisture content and keep its fragrance and needles if kept in a stand that has a good water holding capacity.

At home, cut off a few inches of the bottom of the trunk and immediately immerse in water. Do this outside, and consider letting it sit outside in the shade for a day or too so the branches can relax into shape. Carefully prune off any out of place branches. I’ve heard of cases where preying mantis cases have hatched after the tree is brought inside - so include this in your outside inspection.

Once inside, avoid hot sunny windows that will dry out the tree. Be sure the stand is sturdy and leveled, and that any electrical wires are kept well away from the water container at the bottom. According to Washington State University researcher Dr. Gary Chastagner, the best bet in the stand is plain old tap water. The suggestions of adding such things as 7-UP, aspirin, or ketchup to improve tree life are not supported by his research.

If you need additional information on Christmas tree selection or care, visit our website http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu or call or stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North. Our phone number is 863-763-6469, and you can email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu.

Florida Christmas Trees Homepage http://www.florida-agriculture.com/xmastree/index.htm

Holiday Safety Tips by Jessica Williams (especially for families with young children) http://babiestoday.com/resources/articles/christmassafety.htm 

The Story of Christmas Trees - Oregon Family Christmas Trees (Complete with music and detaisl on the value of trees.  http://www.ofct.com/storyoftrees.htm

National Christmas Tree Association's web site: www.realchristmastrees.org

10 "QUICK" TIPS ON SELECTING A TREE AT A RETAIL LOT http://www.realchristmastrees.org/lotselect.html

Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS /University of Florida. Larry Arrington, Interim Dean.  Last update: 11/24/2004 .  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert