Tips for merry tree at Christmastime

By KSU News Service

MANHATTAN -- Most people would never consider planting their lush green Christmas tree in the desert. But many folks will ignore the necessity of a well-watered tree this holiday. Bill Loucks, conservation forester at Kansas State University, explains that moisture should be considered through the entire life of a Christmas tree.

Though aesthetics are a personal matter, Loucks advises all tree shoppers to choose fresh, healthy trees. "If the base where the tree was cut is dry and not sticky with sap, don't choose it," Loucks says. The needles should be moist enough to bend around your finger. If they bend too sharply, or break, the needles are dry. Move on to another tree.

Loucks says a tree will retain its beauty for up to three weeks, meaning trees should be selected and cut in the second week of December. But the Christmas season seems to begin earlier and earlier each year. So, Loucks recommends that early birds keep the tree in a bucket of water in a cool place, like the garage, until it's ready for the house. Cut an inch off the base before placing it in water to allow the tree's pores to open again. "If the foliage seems dry, you can hose it down," Loucks says.

Once brought into the house, adequate water is the best gift under the tree for these holiday centerpieces. Trees aren't used to the dry- air heating systems that keep homes warm. To reduce the risk of a tree drying out, or becoming a fire hazard, Loucks suggests setting it up away from heating vents, fireplaces and candles.

To keep the branches lovely, Loucks recommends plenty of tap water without additives. "Be prepared to replace the water a lot in the first few days the tree's in the house," Loucks advises. "If you keep it in plenty of water, it should hold safely until Christmas."

Loucks notes that artificial trees consist of non-renewable resources, like petroleum-based products, and, therefore, can't be recycled.

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