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YARD AND GARDEN

There is still something about a real Christmas tree

David Robson

December is the time for decorations, indoors and out. People hang massive amounts of lights and evergreens all over their houses, each trying to outdo the other. Ribbons and bows are everywhere. Don't you wish you were the one that patented icicle lights?

The center of most holiday decorations is the Christmas tree. I can remember just about all the Christmas trees my family and I have had. Some were tall and narrow. Some were short and squatty and had to be elevated on a wooden box. Most of the ones growing up were blue spruces, cut from the patch on the south side of the house.

The tree I remember best was my Arizona grandparents' aluminum tree with the rotating color light wheel. There weren't any lights on the tree, just ornaments. But when that light turned, the tree and all those colors, it was fascinating to a 10-year-old.

A couple of years ago someone gave me one of those trees with all the original packaging. Finding the light wheel has been a challenge. They are elusive. For some reason, people discarded everything — probably realizing that those trees almost were the epitome of tackiness.

Today, artificial trees look more and more real. One of these days the manufacturers are going to include little bags of fake needles to put under the trees and on top of packages to fool people even more. We already have the artificial evergreen aroma. Still, there's something about a fresh tree that's exciting.

Safety should be the utmost concern on any tree shopper's mind. Steps you take when selecting, transporting and setting up the tree can mean the difference between a sound sleep and one disturbed by sirens, red lights and smoke.

Concentrate on the needles. They should be green and plentiful.

Next, smell the needles. They should smell like fresh evergreen. Also, understand that if temperatures are well below freezing, you won't get much smell.

Bend the needles. Fresh trees will be as flexible as a yoga instructor. You can practically tie the needles in knots. Dry trees will just break. However, if the temperature is well below freezing, the needles will also break. Check the thermometer. Grab the tree by the trunk and give it a good shake and bounce the butt end on the ground once or twice. The needles shouldn't cascade off in sheets. You're bound to get a few needles that fall off.

There are many Christmas tree farms where you can select a freshly cut tree, and in some cases, you can cut it yourself and share the joy with the kids.

Wrap the tree tightly when transporting it. The old days of tying the tree to the roof of the car are out, since wind will dry the needles out. Minivans are great for hauling. When you get the tree home, make another inch cut on the butt end. Stick the tree in a pail of warm water for a day or so. That helps the tree start to reabsorb the water.

When the tree is set up, keep water in the basin. The tree will suck up lots of water the first couple of days and then start to absorb less and less. Watch out for cats and dogs who can use the basin as their personal water bowl.

After Christmas, remove the tree as soon as it starts to dry out. Cut the limbs and place on top of perennials and other tender plants for winter protection. Do not burn the trunk in your fireplace. You'll create a huge potential for a chimney fire, which means more sirens, red lights and smoke.

David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, University of Illinois Extension. You can write to Robson in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: (217) 782-6515. E-Mail: robsond@mail.aces.uiuc.edu

16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING DECEMBER 1999