Lawn Care Company Advice For Choosing & Caring For A Long-Lasting Christmas Tree

Landworks Lawn Care Company is here to help you choose a live Christmas tree and care for it so that it lasts through the whole holiday season. Whether you trek through the woods or peruse a parking lot, with these tips you can find the perfect tree, trim it beautifully, and keep it looking merry and bright right into the new year.

How To Choose The Right Tree

Before you go shopping, decide where you will place the tree. Avoid placing it near any heat source (sunny windows, radiators, heating vents, and fireplaces). Landworks Lawn Care Company also recommends that you do not place the tree in high traffic areas where it might be bumped or overturned, or where someone might trip on light cords.

The National Christmas Tree Association recommends that you determine the size of tree your space will accommodate before you shop. Measure the ceiling height in the room where the tree will be displayed. Measure the width of the area of the room where the tree will be displayed as well. Most trees on tree farms are trimmed to an 80% taper, so a tree that is 10 feet tall will be 8 feet wide at the bottom. A tree that will fit in the room vertically may be entirely too big horizontally. 

A fresh, green tree will ensure a longer lifespan for your tree. The needles should look shiny and green, not dry or brown. To find the best tree that will last the longest, gently grab the inside of a branch and pull your hand toward you. The needles should stay on the tree. Alternatively, gently tap the cut end of a tree on the ground; if a few needles fall off, it should be fine. If a lot of needles fall off, keep looking.  

Trimming And Watering Guidelines

• To get your tree through the front door without damage, bring it in trunk first and do not remove the net until it is placed in the stand. If your tree does not have a net, you can wrap it gently with a moving blanket to protect the limbs (and your door frame.)
• Re-cut the trunk at least one inch from the bottom just before putting it in the stand. Even if you just cut it on a farm, this re-opens the tree stem so it can drink water.
• After making the fresh cut, immediately place the tree in a large capacity stand with warm water. The stand you use should hold at least one gallon of fresh water.
• Research has shown that plain tap water is the best. Some commercial additives and home concoctions can actually decrease a tree’s moisture retention and increase needle loss.
• Do not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal and be unable to drink. It is not unusual for a tree to drink 2 gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.

Landworks Lawn Care Company Knows Trees

Landworks Lawn Care Company offers year-round yard maintenance and lawn care services. Since 1995, Landworks has created some of the most unique and impressive backyard sanctuaries in the Johnson County area. Our landscaping company professionals are qualified and eager to bring your vision to life. From consultation to design work to installation, Landworks will ensure your project is created and crafted with quality workmanship at every stage. 

Our customized maintenance programs are designed to meet your needs, including mowing, mulching, shrub/tree trimming, sprinkler service, spring/fall clean-ups, and lawn fertilization/weed control programs. For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here or call Landworks Lawn Care Company at (913) 422-9300.