Tips for buying a fresh cut tree and how to care for it:
Choose a fresh tree. A fresh tree will have a healthy green appearance with few browning needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand.
Make a fresh cut about one inch off the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.
Check the water level daily and be sure to keep it well above the base of the tree. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water.
Make a fresh green wreath with the boughs removed from the bottom of your tree.
Tips for buying a live tree and how to care for it:
Identify where your live tree will be planted in the yard and dig the hole before the ground freezes.
Before bringing the tree inside it should be conditioned by putting in an unheated garage for a few days. The same should be done when moving it back outside.
Live trees are fairly sensitive and should not be kept inside for more than 10 days.
Prior to moving the tree inside, the root ball should be moistened and kept in a moist condition while the tree is displayed.The root ball should be placed in a bucket or a large pan to prevent soil and water from staining the floor. The rootball should remain moist but not stand in water.
Make sure to locate living trees away from heat sources. Living Christmas trees will also need water, although not nearly as much as cut trees.
Other things to consider for December:
Continue to water evergreen plants until ground freezes to prevent winter sun-scald.
Provide a water source for birds throughout the winter by installing a heater in your birdbath.
Fill birdfeeders throughout winter months.
Wrap tall arborvitae, junipers, yews, and other evergreen shrubs with burlap or twine to prevent snow damage and breakage.
Start paperwhite bulbs in gravel, marbles or soil every other week for flowers throughout the winter months
Plant amaryllis bulbs for January bloom.
Check house plants for insects. Examine carefully by looking under leaves and in leaf axils. Early detection makes control much easier. Simple pruning or washing with mild detergent may remedy problem.
Make a fresh green wreath at Red Butte Garden wreath workshop.Check our Calendar for dates.
