Celebrate Your Texas Christmas with a Fresh-Cut Tree
Some people believe it just isn’t Christmas without a fresh cut Christmas Tree and Calloway’s Nursery believes we have the freshest ones in the Metroplex! This year we will have fresh and fragrant Fraser Firs and Noble Firs in stock, ready for you to take home and decorate. Keep reading for tips about choosing your tree, care at home, and why fresh-cut trees are beneficial i.e. green for the environment.
How do you choose the best tree for your home and family?
Before selecting a tree, be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before purchasing.
- Run a branch through your fist-the needles should not come off easily.
- Bend the outer branches-they should be pliable. If they are brittle and snap easily, the tree is too dry.
- All trees should receive a fresh cut to the trunk and immediately be placed in a water-reservoir stand. If not, the sap will seal over the cut and will not allow water to be drawn up by the tree.
- Select a tree that has strong branching to better hold your lights and ornaments.
How do you care for your tree?
The single most important tip for freshness is to keep water in the stand at all times. Check several times each day! A tree can use up to one gallon of water daily!
- Keep trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight).
- Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process.
- The temperature of the water used in the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
- The use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
- Find more information about fresh-cut tree care here.
Why buy a flocked Christmas Tree?
Flocked Christmas Trees provide a “just-snowed” look.
- Flocking material is made from cellulose, a derivative of wood, water and spray adhesive.
- Flocking will help hold in moisture but you still must keep water in the stand.
- Use white corded Christmas lights on flocked trees.
What are some earth-friendly suggestions for disposing of your tree?
There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States.
- Check with your local city for curbside pick-up or the location for drop-off.
- Many cities will ground up the trees and provide mulch for local parks.
- Some areas will use trees in lakes and ponds to provide fish-friendly habitats.
- In a wildlife rehabilitation site in Indiana, trees were gathered and unloaded in specific locations to provide cover for birds, chipmunks, raccoons and other small wild animals. They provided protection from predators as well as providing shelter from the weather.
Why real Christmas Trees are a benefit to the environment?
- Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource.
- Approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees are sold in the U.S. every year.
- Close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers.
- There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.
- There are about 350,000 aces in production for growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., much of it preserving green space.
- Growing Christmas Trees provides a habitat for wildlife.
- Christmas Trees remove dust and pollen from the air.
- Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill.
- An acre of Christmas Trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
- 93% of real Christmas Tree consumers recycle their tree in community recycling programs, their garden or backyard.