Binghamton Agway Farm & Home Store
145 Broad Avenue Binghamton, NY 13904
(607) 723-7409
bafeedback@binghamtonagway.com
 

Store Hours
Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm
Sat 8am - 6pm
Sun 8am - 5pm
click here for store location

 The tradition of the Christmas tree dates back centuries. Each holiday season, millions of families carry on the tradition as they shop for the perfect tree. Most trees are now grown in Christmas tree plantations with careful fertilizing and pruning, schedules. They have nearly perfect pyramidal form and add wonderful evergreen fragrance to homes.

The Most Popular Types

 As with any tradition, there may be subtle changes over the years. This is true of Christmas trees. American formerly favored Scotch pines and cedars. Now, selections usually include either Douglas, Fraser, or balsam fir trees. Each of these trees has soft, fragrant needles that adhere well to their branches even after they have been cut. The branches on these tree types are nicely spaced and appear very attractive with lights and decorations.

 Selecting the Perfect Tree

Before shopping, determine where you will display the tree. Once this is decided, you will know the height you need and whether all four sides must be suitable for display. Freshness is important. Needles should be resilient, not brittle. As a test, run your fingers along the branches. When fresh, needles will adhere to the twigs and not drop. Another test is to shake several branches lightly and see if needles fall. Inspect limbs for signs of mechanical damage. Before making a final decision, look for good natural green color for the species and sniff the fragrance. Try to select a nicely shaped tree with branches closely spaced and evenly distributed along the trunk. Check for open spaces that would be difficult to cover with decoration. If the tree has an attractive form without lights and ornaments, it will look even better when decorated.

Caring for a Tree

Store the cut tree outdoors or in a cool room. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk, about one or two inches above the original cut. This opens the pores and aids in the absorption of water. Then, place the trunk of the tree in a container of water either in the garage or an unheated room.

Many people also spray their cut three with Wilt-Pruf Winter Kill Protection to slow evaporation and needle drop. Wilt-Pruf is especially effective for trees that will be indoors for several weeks. While indoors, keep the trunk of the tree in water at all times. Refill the container daily. You will discover the tree will absorb a lot of water!

Before decorating, check to be sure the tree is well supported. Position it away from fireplaces, radiators, televisions and any other source of heat.

To simplify cleanup later, place a large tree removal bag or tablecloth under the tree stand and skirt. This removal bag or tablecloth can be use to wrap the entire tree when moving it outdoors after the holidays. This will prevent many of the needles from dropping on the carpet.

 Before decorating the tree with lights, check the cords for faying or worn areas. Do not overload electrical circuits. As an extra precaution, never leave the tree lights on while you are away from home. Even though newer tree lights are cool burning, it is wise to take this precautionary step to avoid a potential hazard.

 Recycling Your Tree

 Recycle your tree into reusable resources. Although the holiday season may be over your Christmas tree can be shredded for mulch to be used in insulating the roots of landscape plants. If you do not have a chipper/shredder, determine if your town has recycling program. Many local governments have programs to recycle trees for mulch in city parks and recreational areas. If shredding is difficult, consider pruning the branches of the tree to use as winter protection over perennial beds of tender plants.