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
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.
Bonsai trees are a popular hobby for many people and not as difficult to grow and maintain as originally thought. Here are some handy tips in case you are considering adding one to your home.
- Do your homework first before selecting a bonsai tree. There are many different species and varieties, some easier to care for than others.
- As with any other live tree or plant a Bonsai needs the basics of watering, fertilizing and the correct location with the proper amount of sun and shade.
- Don’t water your tree every day but keep it moist. The soil should stay slightly damp and never completely dry out.
- Small pot Bonsai trees require regular doses of fertilizer due to the smaller amount of soil surrounding it. It’s important to continually replenish nutrients to the tree so it will continue to grow and be healthy.
- Thoroughly research location before purchasing your Bonsai. They must be kept in a warm environment with at least some daily direct sunlight.
- Before you start trimming your tree make sure you take time to consider the shape, size and direction you want it to grow. Education yourself on wire training as this is an important step in maintaining your Bonsai.
Are you a Bonsai hobbyist? Cartwright Tree Service would love to know how you became interested, what you do to keep them healthy and if you have any award winning Bonsais. Let us know in our comments section below!
The Kansas Department of Agriculture reports that "all ash trees native to Kansas are susceptible to infestation by the emerald ash borer." Emerald ash borer are beetle larvae that bore into trees, tunneling between the bark and wood. Ash borers impede the movement of water and nutrients, eventually killing the tree.
