Christmas tree

One of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas, the Christmas tree is normally an evergreen conifer tree that is brought in the house or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas.

Natural trees

European tradition prefers the open aspect of naturally-grown, unsheared trees (as in the photo, above right), while in North America (outside much of the Rockies) there is a preference for close-sheared trees with denser foliage, but less space to hang decorations. The shearing also damages the highly attractive symmetry of natural trees. In the past, Christmas trees were often harvested from wild forests, but now almost all are commercially grown on tree farms.

Related Topics:
Rockies - Symmetry - Tree farm

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The best species for use are species of fir (Abies), which have the major benefit of not shedding the needles when they dry out, as well as good foliage colour and scent; but species in other genera are also used. Commonly used species in Northern Europe (including the UK) are:

Related Topics:
Species - Fir - Genera - Europe - UK

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• Silver Fir Abies alba (the original species)
• Nordmann Fir Abies nordmanniana (as in the photo)
• Noble Fir Abies procera
• Norway Spruce Picea abies (generally the cheapest)
• Serbian Spruce Picea omorika
• Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris

and in North America:

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• Balsam Fir Abies balsamea
• Fraser Fir Abies fraseri
• Noble Fir Abies procera
• Red Fir Abies magnifica
• Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii
• Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris
• Stone Pine Pinus pinea (as small table-top trees)

Several other species are used to a lesser extent. Less-traditional conifers are sometimes used, such as Giant Sequoia, Leyland Cypress and Eastern Juniper. Virginia Pine is still available on some tree farms in the southeastern United States, however it has poor winter color and sharp needles. The long-needled Eastern White Pine is also used there.

Related Topics:
Giant Sequoia - Leyland Cypress - Eastern Juniper - Virginia Pine - Eastern White Pine

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Some trees are sold live with roots and soil, often from a nursery, to be planted later outdoors and enjoyed (and often decorated) for years or decades. However, the combination of root loss on digging, and the indoor environment of high temperature and low humidity is very detrimental to the tree's health, and the survival rate of these trees is low. These trees must be kept inside only for a few days, as the warmth will bring them out of dormancy, leaving them little protection when put back outside into the midwinter cold in most areas. Others are produced in a container and sometimes as topiary for a porch or patio.

Related Topics:
Nursery - Temperature - Humidity - Dormancy - Topiary

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Care of trees

The following comes with permission from http://www.pleasantriverfarms.com/treecare.php. These tips will ensure the tree will stay fresh for several weeks.

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• When transporting the tree, protect it from wind and road salts by covering it with plastic.
• If decoration is not planned immediately, store the tree in a cool environment protected from the sun and wind. If possible, the night before decorating, bring the tree into a partially heated area to allow it to adjust gradually to temperature changes.
• Before taking your tree inside, gently bang the tree on its stump several times to dislodge any loose needles. Just before placing it in the stand, cut several centimeters off the trunk. This allows the tree to continue drinking.
• Make sure your tree has a sturdy Christmas tree stand that holds 4-6 litres of water. Check it daily. Only use plain water; research shows that additives such as sugar, cola and aspirin do more harm than good.
• Place your tree away from any heat source, including radiators and windows that get a lot of direct sunlight.

Disposal

After use, trees are best recycled, rather than disposed in landfills. This is beneficial to the environment. Options include:

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• Use your tree as a bird feeder. Hang suet balls or other bird food from the branches.
• Cut up in small pieces and use for mulch around shrubs.
• In many coastal areas, trees are needed to protect sand dunes from erosion.
• Use the needles in a fragrant sachet.
• Cut up and put in a compost pile.
• Use the tree as a bean or pea support pole.