Every year millions of families shop for and buy a real cut Christmas tree from tree farms and local lots. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 56 million trees are planted each year for future Christmases and 30 to 35 million families will shop and buy a “real” tree this year.

 

The popular tradition of visiting local tree farms was evidenced at Harmony Christmas Tree Farms located just outside of Stuart where shoppers started tagging their family favorite a week before Thanksgiving.  Co-Owner Janet Bassett says homegrown trees purchased this year are from seedlings planted 4 years ago.  Bassett explains that with the wet conditions experienced 2 years ago and this year’s drought, they lost plantings from the last 3 years.  Out of the 600 trees planted this year, they lost 500 to Mother Nature Bassett added.

 

Harmony Christmas Tree Farms has some helpful tips to help make your Christmas merry:

 

1. Make sure your stand is large enough to support your tree. A tipped over tree in the movies is funny, but one in your house is not.  Also, your tree stand should hold a gallon or more of water.
2. If you have purchased a pre-wrapped fir tree, make sure to get a fresh cut on the trunk before you leave the farm.
3. Once your tree is in the stand and straight, water the tree with plenty of hot water. This will help the sap to run and keep your tree fresh longer. The first 4 or 5 days the tree may drink a gallon or more of water a day, so make sure you check the stand several times a day. If your tree always has plenty of water, you won’t need to add anything else.
4. Your tree’s branches may lower over the course of a few days, especially if it was pre-wrapped. This may affect the placement of your lights or ornaments.
5. A fresh tree that has had sufficient water is unlikely to burn, but placing your tree next to a fireplace or furnace register vent will accelerate the tree drying out and making it more likely to burn if ignited. Locate your tree in a cool area away from heat sources.
6. Never leave home or go to bed with the tree lights plugged in and lit. A short in the light wiring can ignite dry needles, paper ornaments or even gift wrap.
7. Closely monitor pets in the vicinity of your tree. Pets not accustomed to fresh trees inside the home may consider the tree to be perfect for purposes not related to Christmas, such as climbing, relieving themselves, or drinking the water from the stand.
8. When the holidays are over and it is time to dispose of your tree, a tree bag is a handy tool to keep the needles collected while moving the tree through the house and outdoors.
9. Be sure to remove all lights, ornaments and hangers from your tree prior to disposal. Many cities will pick up trees for recycling, but want the trees bare. You may even need to remove the bag from the tree once outside.

 

Proper care of your tree can ensure enjoyment of the holidays with your family and friends throughout the holiday season Bassett says. Not only will your home be permeated with the scent of evergreen, you will be making a positive contribution to the environment.  .

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