DATE:     11/28/02
CONTACT:  George Kessler, Extension forester,  (864) 656-2478
EDITOR:   Susan Bedingfield, (864) 656-3876;sbeding@Clemson.edu

Enjoying your  
live Christmas tree

                         
         By George Kessler, Clemson Extension forester
        Marvin Gaffney, S.C. Christmas Tree Association
                                
	We all enjoy the pleasant fragrance and genuine beauty of a 
live Christmas tree. 
	To check a tree that has already been cut, grasp a branch 
between your thumb and forefinger and pull toward you. Very few needles 
will come off if the tree is fresh. Next, take a few needles and bend 
them. If they spring back, the tree is fresh.
  	Be sure to look at the trunk. If you can see splits in the 
trunk, the tree most likely will have dried to a point where it will 
not take up water.
 	Now, bump the trunk of the tree on the ground. If green needles 
fall off the tree, it is not fresh. You can expect a few brown needles 
to fall from the tree. Choose another tree if many brown needles fall 
off.
	Trees that are growing in a field will be fresh and full of 
water. Select a tree that will fit your stand and into your house. Then 
gently shake the tree to see if any green needles fall. After that, 
break a few needles and check for fragrance.
  	Pines, firs and Leyland Cypress will stay fresh longer than 
other trees. Cedars, spruces and cultivars of Arizona cypress stay 
fresh for a shorter period of time.
	If your tree has been cut for more than one hour, recut at 
least one inch from the trunk and place the tree in plain water 
immediately. If you are not going to take the tree inside until later, 
store the tree out of the wind and sun in an unheated, sheltered area 
such as a garage or porch. Do not expose the tree to freezing 
temperatures at any time.
	 Make certain the container has sufficient capacity to keep the 
trunk in water all the time. A fresh tree may use more than a gallon of 
water a day.
	If the tree is stored outside in water for several days, recut 
one-half inch from the stem just before you take it inside. Also, clean 
any dead materials from the tree.
	Once your tree is inside, you can care for it by placing it in 
a stable container that will hold at least one and preferably two 
gallons of water.
	It is very important to check the water level each day. If the 
water dries out, the tree loses its ability to take up water. Adding 
water to a tree whose stump is out of water may make you feel better, 
but it won't make the tree feel better. You could make a game of 
checking the water and get the whole family involved.
	Remember, heat will dry your tree out. Keep the tree away from 
heat sources such as hot air ducts, radiators, fireplaces and 
television sets.
     To protect your tree and your home, follow these additional fire 
safety tips:
      ·   Avoid combustible decorations.
      ·   Always turn off your decorations before going to bed or 
	  leaving home.
      ·   Never place candles or other open flame sources on or near 
	  your tree.
      ·   Test your light cords before you put them on your tree. They 
	  should be in good working order and in good condition.
	Your live Christmas tree will add to your holiday enjoyment, 
and if you just follow the simple steps listed above, it will also be a 
safe holiday.

          ******************************************
     If you have gardening questions, search our website at
www.clemson.edu/psamedia or write to PSA Media Relations, A-101 Poole
Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0129.
                              END