The Holidays are fast approaching and the excitement of being with loved ones and enjoying family traditions is building. My family is looking forward to a Thanksgiving feast followed by the craze of Black Friday shopping. It’s always entertaining! Then it’s time for the best part – putting up the tree! Picking out the perfect Christmas tree is a holiday tradition passed down through generations.
Did you know decorated Christmas trees go back to the 1800s in America? The ever famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree tradition began in 1933. In the United States Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska. It generally takes 6 to 8 years for a Christmas tree to mature.
Before you load up the car and head to the local tree farm there are some things to keep in mind. Our friends at Rockville Tree Farm shared these 5 Christmas Tree Safety Tips:
1) Always cut a fresh tree. If you’re not putting the tree up immediately, be sure to make a fresh cut off the bottom of the tree stump to open pores before you place the tree in your stand.
2) Use a sturdy stand that holds a large amount of water.
3) Water the tree and recheck water level often to keep the end of the tree submerged in the water. The tree will take a lot of water in the first few days. Never let the water go below the end of the cut stump.
4) Keep away from heat. Keep your real tree away from a heat register or heat source.
5) Recycle the tree after Christmas. Recycled trees can be used for mulch or compost. You can also put the tree in your back yard and it makes a great winter habitat for birds. Trees can be submerged in ponds to benefit the fish as well.
For more information on Rockville Tree Farm click here.
