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Health & Fitness

It's time to select your holiday tree!

Picking your tree

Heading in to the long holiday weekend, here are some things to consider when choosing a tree:

  • Ceiling Height. Check the height of your ceiling in the room where you will display your tree. Select a tree that is at least one foot shorter than that height.
  • Tree Health. Shake or bounce the tree. Firmly attached needles are what you are looking for. If the tree is fresh, few needles should fall off. Some loss of needles inside the tree is normal. Avoid trees that have a wilted look. If it looks rough now, it will look even worse in your holiday pictures!
  • Soft Needles. Needles should be soft and pliable and not come off the branches. Run your fingers over the branches and over the needles. They should bend; but not break or fall off.
  • Tree Stand. Make sure the handle of the tree is straight. The handle must be 6 to 8 inches long (or more, check your stands instructions) to allow placement in the tree stand. You can always trim the handle if it’s too long, but you can’t add length if it’s short!
  • Bug Check. Inspect the tree before bringing it indoors. Shake and bounce the tree outside to dislodge insects and other foreign objects.

 Caring for your tree when you get it home

If you don't plan to put the tree up right away, cut one inch off the base, put the tree in a bucket of water, and stand it in a shady place.

  • Trim the trunk. When you bring the tree indoors, cut 1/2 to 1 inch off the base of the trunk and place in a tree stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water.
  • Watering your tree. Always keep the tree well supplied with water. Check the water level in the stand several times each day. Trees may use several quarts of water a day. Never let the water level fall below the base of the tree. If this occurs, the cut end can seal over, preventing further water uptake. Then you will have to take down the tree and trim the trunk again to allow water uptake.
  • Fire Hazards. Do not place the tree near a fireplace, heater vents or other heat sources. Use only UL-approved lights and nonflammable decorations.
For more information about this or other holiday season questions, please call678.377.4010, or you may email your question to extensionservice@gwinnettcounty.com

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