Families may get together to select that one holiday tree
that represents the spirit of giving.
Before going out to shop for that perfect tree determine
where in the home the tree will be displayed. This will dictate the size of the
tree to buy. South Florida’s warm weather causes the cut trees to wilt quickly
and drop their needles. Look for a fresh tree, the more recent the tree has
been cut the better. Freshly cut trees will have good needle holding quality
which will have a better chance of looking great throughout holiday weeks. To
determine freshness, the needles should feel supple and springy. If the needles
break the tree is not fresh. Bounce the butt of the tree on the ground and see
how many needles fall. If many needles fall, the tree is old and dry. Feel the
stump, the sap should be sticky and moist, not hard and caked.
Fresh cut holiday trees include spruce, firs and pines. Many
consider the Douglas and Balsam Firs the ideal holiday tree. The firs have
excellent needle retention and soft fragrant needles. Spruce trees have good
color and stiff branches with prickly needles. Spruce trees can hold heavy
ornaments, but those needles won’t last long indoors. Virginia pines grown in
Florida have firm branches with stiff needles that can last up to six weeks.
Pines are not as fragrant as the firs.
After you have selected your tree, follow these tips to
maintain color and minimize needle drop. If you buy the tree several days
before it will be set up for display, store it outside. Cut the butt of the
tree at a diagonal one inch above the original cut. Stand the tree in large
bucket of water in a shady cool place. When you move the tree indoors, make a
fresh cut to square off the diagonal. Place the tree in a suitable stand which
contains water. In most homes a cut tree can absorb up to a quart of water a
day, so keep the water reservoir filled. A floral preservative or two aspirin
tablets can be added to the water to help the tree stay fresh.
For information on
the Southern red cedar a native live potted holiday tree that be displayed in
the home and then planted into the home landscape after the holidays contact
the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer
Hotline at 233-1750.
Figure 1: Live Holiday Tree-Native Southern Red Cedar