Picking a tree and keeping it FRESH!

If you plan to buy a cut Christmas tree, there’s no need to wait to buy it – even if you don’t want to put it up yet!  Because the trees are already cut, they will not be getting any fresher!  So go out and buy your tree, take it home, and put it in a bucket of water on the north side of the house (shade side).

When you’re ready to bring it in and decorate it, cut an inch off the truck and immediately put the tree in water in a tree stand.  Never let the tree be out of water after this point (check on it a few times a day for the first few days!).

How to Select a Fresh Tree?
Hold a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you.  Very few needles should come off in your h and if the tree is fresh.  Or, shake/bounce the tree on its stump.  You should not see a lot of green needles fall to the ground, though interior brown ones most likely will.

When you bring a tree into the house, put it in a cool a spot as possible!
Avoid areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, heat ducts and television sets.

Don’t let the tree go without water!
Make sure the tree stand’s reservoir stays filled with water.  If the water level ever falls below the bottom of the trunk… you’ll have to re-cut it in order to keep it fresh!  Check – check – and check the water level!!

Keepin’ it Fresh!
The ‘ole home readies really don’t work;  Aspirin, copper penny, soda, sugar, or bleach have all been shown not to help extend the freshness… sorry!

Is Bigger Better?
Figure the height of your ceiling, minus the height of your tree stand and the size of your top ornament to determine the maximum height of your tree.  Do the math ahead of time!!

Want to cut your own tree?
Permits are available for Boise and Payette national forests up to Christmas.  They are available at national forests district offices and local vendors throughout SouthWest Idaho.  Each permit allows one tree to be cut, with a limit of three permits per family.  Permit cost is $10, and maximum height of a tree cannot exceed 12’.  Read the brochure you’ll get with the permit.  There is a right and WRONG way to cut down trees.  Safety is a concern… please be concerned!  For more information, call 208-373-4007 or go online to http://fs.usda.gov/boise and click on “passes and permits”.