Christmas time seems to be taking over the latter part of the year. As soon as summer is over, it seems as though people start jotting down their Christmas list. And who can blame them? After all, it is the most wonderful time of year.

But ask any kid, big or small, nothing says Christmas like putting up your tree. It isn't just a wonderful tradition, the Christmas tree is a long time confirmation that Christmas is finally here.

So, naturally, we had to write a small guide on how to choose the perfect Christmas tree.

Measure. The most important part of choosing your tree is measuring the space you're going to put it in. It's easy to get carried away in our desire to have a 10ft Rockefeller Plaza-esque tree. But for the best display in your home, make sure you get a tree that leaves 10-12 inches between it's top and the ceiling.

Check the branches. Stroke the branches of your tree. If you end up with a handful of needles, you may want to choose a different tree.

Sniff it out. Crush the needles. They should giveaway with a crisp snap and their aroma should be strong. If not, move on.

Bounce your fir. Drop your tree from a few inches. This will give you an idea of how full it is. Also, look for needles falling from the exterior branches. Brown, dried needles falling from the interior is still normal.

Overall, we're sure you'll find the tree that's perfect for you. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and get out there now that you know how to choose your perfect Christmas tree this season.

Wishing you a joyful beginning to a happy holiday!

Image via HybridWorks

'Tis the season. Not just to be jolly, though.

It is the season of ice storms. Along preparing for one of the most wonderful times of year, you may want to also take some precautions when it comes to caring for your trees, as ice storms cause enormous stress on them.

Ice storms, as you can imagine, pose a great threat to trees. Millions of dollars are spent in damages each year from trees or large branches snapping from the cold and falling on homes, cars, or property. But it's not just from ice that these trees snap or fall, but all the many elements of weather that causes these trees stress.

From stem failure, where the tree is week from previous injury or damage, to just a literal blow-over, trees fall for different reasons. Obviously, you can't control nature, therefore you can't guarantee a tree won't go down in severe weather. Sometimes, however, falling trees can be prevented.

To find out how, stay tuned for our next blog post...

There are a few things that are more comforting than a fresh, real Christmas tree. Frosted windows, the smell of baked goods and the beauty of your glorious tree make the holidays cozy.

But keeping your tree looking full and smelling wonderful and staying healthy can be tricky. To keep your tree at its best, follow some of these great tips:

• Try and buy from a tree farm rather than a retailer. Trees go through a lot of stress during transportation. If you can, buy from a farm that still has them planted in the ground. They'll be fuller and stay fresh longer due to bypassing the stress of being cut and shipped.
• Keep your trees away from heat. We don't just mean keep it away from open flames (as trees are flammable) but also keep them away from heating ducts as direct exposure to heat will suck the moisture right out of your tree.
• Water, water, water! Get your tree in water within the first 8 hours after it's been cut. Your tree will take a lot of water, so keep that in mind when choosing your stand and placement. You'll want to water your tree every day (your tree can "drink" up to a gallon on that first day), and make sure levels never fall below the tree base. Keeping you tree watered will also keep it less-flammable.

Between looking after the health for your trees or planning tree removal, make time for one of the most special trees you'll have this year: your Christmas tree.

With the holidays approaching, it is the perfect time for to start planning for one of our favorite traditions of having a Holiday Tree Trimming Party. Great fun for adults and children, this party is a wonderful way to bring the spirit of Christmas to your home.

Tree trimming parties have been a long time tradition. After all, what better way to kick-off the holidays than with your closest friends and families trimming your Christmas tree in unity? If you've never had a tree trimming party, we at Cartwright Tree Care have put together a small "guide" to get you the perfect tree trimming party:

- Go ahead and securely set your tree in the tree stand. You'll want to do this as soon as you bring your tree home from the store as it needs to be watered to stay healthy, hydrated and give you that awesome pine smell.

- Go ahead and put the lights on. Untangling lights can be frustrating, which is the last emotion you want present at your festive party, so it may be a good idea to put the lights up ahead of time.

- Invite guests to create an ornament for your tree, or organize yours for guest to easily reach. Keep fragile ones for adults only, while not delicate ones can be hung by the young ones.

Overall, have fun. Enjoy your family and friends, the people that make your life special all year and especially during the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

Image via Punchbowl.com

What are you doing today? Well, if you're in the Grandview, Missouri area, stop by and visit us at Cartwright Tree Care.

Hosting yet another great event, Cartwright Tree Care invites you to their Open House, Monday, November 12th.

Learn more about trees and shrubs, talk to someone who can give you real advice and answer and questions you might have. From how to best trim, prune your tree, to whether you should cut it, we will consult with your needs. We're also tree healthcare experts, so if you have a question on the health of your greenery or trees, we'll do our best to answer those. This open house also gives you the chance of learning more about what we do and how we can service your home!

So, what are you waiting for? Come visit us today for lunch!
13128 5th Street
Grandview MO 64030
From 1:00 to 2:00

Food and drink will be served.

• Don't Dig. Digging under the canopy of your tree may kill smaller roots. Roots, any and all, are essential for the tree ability to absorb water.
• Mulch it up. Mulch and healthy trees go together like peanut butter and jelly. Mulch around your trees helps it in so many ways. These little wood chips provide insulation, prevent water from evaporating too quickly, and they keep from pest like plants like weeds from growing and stealing your trees water energy.
• No pruning. Avoid pruning your live branches from your tree when there's a drought out. The same way your body sends energy and cells to help your skin recover after a scratch, a tree has to expend energy to recoup from losing a live part of itself. (Of course, pruning dead branches is a great way to keep the tree from constantly using water and energy to try and revive it)

The weaker a tree's health gets, the more susceptible it becomes to tree disease. Once affected, it is better to remove a diseased tree, as most diseases can spread from one plant to another. If this is the case, contact Cartwright Tree Care today for a safe, clean removal.

Kansas City has seen more than its fair share of the drought this year. Less rain, drier air means stressed trees.

Though an age old symbol for strength and stability, drought stricken trees are greatly weakened, and need more care and attention to maintain their health. This is even more imperative with cold weather approaching quickly, adding even more stress to these already deficient plants.

So, what are some ways you can care for your trees during a drought? Well, Cartwright Tree Care has put together some great tips just for you.

• Water. Needless to say, all trees need water. But many make the mistake of watering leaves and branches when the most drought stricken part is a tree's roots. Watering a plant's leaves makes it vulnerable to disease. Focus on water the soil rather than the tree itself. "Flooding" your tree's truck will actually cause more damage than good and wash away the earth's natural nutrients that are imperative. Instead, water under branches by using a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose.
• Avoid Fertilizer. Fertilizer uses the tree's energy to process itself, this pulls more water from the root and deprives the tree.

Want more tips? Stay tuned to Taking Care of Drought Stricken Trees: Part II.

Are you a tree nurturer? Cartwright Tree Service would love to know your tips and tricks on nursing your trees back to health. Let us know in our comments section below!