I’m never entirely sure about the ethics of this, but I picked up what seemed to me invaluable information for anyone who is planning on having a Christmas tree this (or any) year.
Gardening expert Owen Reeves was on a television show last week, describing the various types of holiday (in the Christmas culture) trees and which ones are best suited to what. I don’t know about you, but this sort of blueprint information tends to excite me.
While I think I might have known to shake the tree before bringing it into the house, I did not know that a tree should be set in the stand into fresh water and left upright for two days before decorating. This way the tree can thaw and properly hydrate, and the branches have time to separate, which means your decorations will better lend themselves to it. (Or do I mean that the other way around?)
Ensure, too, that the fresh cut is 1-2”, and feel free to add preservatives (the kind you get from the florist, although I always find that an Aspirin a day or some Seven-up does wonders).
Nordman Firs are the longest-lasting and densest tree, hanging on, poor dears, for about six weeks indoors. The Nordman is an ideal tree for anyone having multiple Christmases (people with large families; sentimentalists; over-eaters; bigamists, depending on where you do the bulk of your entertaining) or longstanding guests, or for those of you who will be away for awhile but want your tree to be full and lovely upon your return.
Fraser Firs are native to the mountains of the eastern United States and are closely related to Balsams. (“I pine for you, I balsam.” EB White) They are best for large or heavy ornaments because of the generous space between their branches. They last up to four weeks.
Balsam Firs are popular in the Maritimes, where they are sold alongside free cases of Schooner beer (okay, that’s not true), probably because they are the most affordable. (Have you ever worked your way through a Maritime winter?) They are the most fragrant tree and, of the firs, have the softest needles. (I wonder now, as I type, if that’s the variety of tree Bruce Mc_____ stole, fully decorated, from the front yard of the Charlottetown YMCA back in the late 1980s.)
Scotch Pines are more traditional. They are extremely fragrant (think Pine-Sol), give me a two-day headache (allergy), have sharp needles, and last less long than any of the trees listed. Still, many people love them, and they are readily accessible.
*Note: beware sharp needles. Not to break patient/technician/all-the-responsibility-no-authority assistant confidentiality, but I know three people who suffered severe eye damage on account of Christmas tree needles.
Potted Trees last up to one week. Make sure you have a ground-hole prepared prior to purchasing, so the tree is assured of a long/er life. I have entertained thoughts of a potted tree, but figure as long as there are children and grandchildren about, a bigger tree is indicated. More, I don’t know how we would find room for the 1,479 ornaments and our ethereal but not so tiny white angel.
Artificial Trees (notice I am going out on a limb here, branching bravely into the area of proper nouns/categories) should have metal hinges and a high tip count for maximum quality, although I might have learned more had all that water I’ve been drinking lately not hurriedly urged me out of the room and away from earshot of the television.
So there you have it...everything I stol-know about Christmas trees. I leave you now with a few bars from a fitting carol, Germany’s own, O Tannenbaum.
