Buying and preserving your Christmas tree

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XMas tree farms in OK
Thanksgiving weekend is a popular time to buy and put up a Christmas tree while the family is together. Scotch Pine and Virginia Pine are two of the most popular varieties for our area.

The Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association has a handy map of Christmas tree farms in the state. 

Here are links for surrounding states that have associations
Arkansas www.arktreegrowers.com
Illinois www.ilchristmastrees.com
Indiana www.indianachristmastree.com
Iowa www.iowachristmastrees.com
Kentucky www.kychristmastrees.com
Louisiana www.southernchristmastrees.org
Mississippi www.southernchristmastrees.org
Tennessee www.tennesseechristmastrees.org
Texas www.texaschristmastrees.com

Tips from the experts Selection of a Fresh Tree
The basic rule of thumb when purchasing a Christmas tree is to buy a fresh tree and keep it fresh.
 
There are two simple tests for freshness. First, check the condition of the needles. If bent gently, the needle from a fresh tree should bend rather than break. This test is not necessary at "Choose & Cut" Farms. The second test for freshness is to lift the tree a few inches off the ground and then drop it on the stump end. If outside green needles fall off in abundance, the tree may not be fresh. Pine trees shed the inner needles. This is a normal process and not the sign of an old and dry tree. At "Choose & Cut" Farms the dry brown needles will be shaken out when your tree is cut.
Care of a Fresh Tree
If you purchase your tree from a "Choose & Cut" Farm, place your tree in a bucket of water or your tree stand when you arrive home.
 
If you purchase your tree from a retail lot or allow the cut end to dry, simply make a fresh, straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut, and immediately place in a bucket of water or your tree stand. This opens the tree stem so it can take up water.
 
Don’t ever let the container dry out or a seal will form and a new cut will be necessary. Fresh trees are thirsty. They may drink from one pint to a gallon or more of water per day. so please water daily.
 
A few decisions should be made before going out to buy a Christmas tree. Decide where you are going to place the tree in the home. Be sure to choose a location away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator. Also, decide on the size (height and width) of the tree you want.  Whether you cut it yourself or purchase from a lot, keep the tree well-watered and be safe with children, pets, etc.



 

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