O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I'm sure many of you by now have your Christmas decorations up. But incase you're like me and haven't had time to even think about when you will be putting them up, here's some interesting facts about Christmas Trees that may help you decide which to choose!. And for the rest of you, it can just be some fun facts, or somthing to think about for next year! 

Below are the most common types to grow in Indiana, (for a more extensive list, visit The National Christmas Tree Association website.)

​Scotch Pine
Scotch pine has historically been the most popular Christmas tree in the U.S. It is known for its firm branches and excellent needle retention. It is well suited for heavy ornaments.

White Pine
White pine has long, soft, flexible needles and is bluish-green in color. White Pine’s have good/excellent needle retention, but have little aroma. They aren’t recommended for heavy ornaments.

Canaan Fir 
The Canaan fir is a newer variety that is becoming a very popular choice as a Christmas tree. Canaan fir has a firm branch with soft short needles. It has characteristics similar to both Balsam and Fraser fir.

Fraser Fir 
Fraser fir are dark blue-green in color, have a pleasant scent, good form and excellent needle retention. The Fraser fir branches are firm and turn slightly upward with a soft short needle. There are some areas of Indiana that the Fraser fir cannot be grown.

Colorado Blue Spruce 
Colorado Blue Spruce are bluish-gray in color and have an unpleasant odor when the needles are crushed. The branches are very firm with sharp needles about 1" in length. It has good needle retention.

Concolor Fir
Concolor fir has a narrow needle with good color and excellent needle retention. It has a pleasing shape and citrus aroma.

Douglas Fir 
These soft needles are dark green – blue green in color and are approximately 1 – 1 ½ in. in length. The Douglas fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance.

Here's some tips and tricks for caring for your new Christmas Tree:

• Be sure to know what size (height & width) of tree you need. -Measure your ceiling height where the tree will be displayed. (Trees in the field look smaller than they really are.)
• To do a freshness test gently grasp a branch and pull it toward you. Only a few needles should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh. Shake or bounce the tree. Some loss of brown needles is normal but falling green needles is a warning sign that the tree is dry.
• Once you have purchased the perfect tree follow the care instructions below to keep it fresh throughout the Christmas season.
  • Cut 1/2"or more off the base of the trunk before putting up the tree.
  • Place the tree in your tree stand and fill it with fresh water.
  • Don’t let the water level drop below the fresh cut on the base of the tree! If this happens a new seal will form and the tree will not take up any more water.
  • Check the water level of your tree daily! Trees are very thirsty.
  • Check all electric lights and connections before decorating your tree. Don’t use lights with worn or frayed cords. Don’t overload electrical circuits.
  • Don’t place your tree near a fireplace, heat vent or other heat source. These elements can prematurely dry out your tree.
  • Turn off all decorations before retiring at night and any time you leave your home.

.And remember your real Christmas Tree is a recyclable and renewable resource. Trees can be converted into useful mulch after the holiday season and many other craft projects!

​For more information or facts visit http://indianachristmastree.com/pages/facts.php

​Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Hollingsworth Lumber !