By Blake Jackson
Choosing a real Christmas tree is a cherished holiday tradition for many families but selecting the right variety and maintaining its freshness require proper care.
Alexandra McLaughlin, Marketing Communications Specialist at Penn State Extension, highlighted recommendations from Kelly Piccioni, horticulture educator with Penn State Extension, to help consumers make informed choices and keep their trees in good condition throughout the holiday season.
Piccioni recommends considering the available space, decorating plans, ornament weight, and how long the tree will remain indoors before purchasing. Different tree species offer varying fragrance, needle characteristics, branch strength, and freshness.
Douglas Fir and Fraser fir are popular options in Pennsylvania. Douglas-fir features soft needles, a full appearance and a traditional Christmas fragrance, making it suitable for lighter decorations.
Fraser fir provides strong branches, excellent needle retention and a naturally attractive shape. Canaan fir is another option, offering appealing foliage and good needle retention. Some farms also grow Turkish fir and hybrid varieties.
Visiting a local Christmas tree farm allows customers to receive advice from growers and choose freshly harvested trees. Piccioni noted, “Purchasing directly from a farm supports Pennsylvania agriculture and often provides the opportunity to select a freshly harvested tree or cut one yourself,” she said.
When purchasing a precut tree, consumers should check that its needles are flexible, healthy, and firmly attached. Some interior needle loss is normal, but excessive shedding of green needles can indicate dryness.
Before bringing a tree indoors, store it in a cool, shaded area protected from wind, keeping the trunk in water. Once displayed, use a stand that holds at least one quart of water per inch of trunk diameter. Check water levels daily and keep the trunk base submerged.
Plain water is sufficient, without added sugar or other mixtures. Trees should also be positioned away from fireplaces, heating vents, and radiators. LED lights are recommended because they generate less heat.
Piccioni explained that producing a marketable Christmas tree typically takes seven to 10 years or longer. Growers must regularly manage weeds, pests, diseases, soil fertility and weather conditions while shaping trees annually.
Pennsylvania ranks third nationally in Christmas tree farms, with more than 1,400 farms covering nearly 31,000 acres and producing approximately 1 million cut trees annually.
"When someone purchases a real Christmas tree, they’re supporting far more than a seasonal product. They’re supporting local farms, agricultural businesses, rural communities and families who have dedicated generations to growing them,” Piccioni said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nathaniel-young
Categories: Pennsylvania, General