Frequently Asked Questions
There are some questions that are asked over and over again by our customers. We don't mind answering them for you while you're here, but you might actually find a question that you didn't think to ask that someone else did.
Q: How long does it take for a tree to grow to Christmas Tree height?
A: The answer depends on variety. Trees generally take 6-10 years to become an 8 foot tree. The quickest growing tree we have on the farm is a white pine. What takes the longest? The blue spruce, which can take 15 years to mature to a Christmas tree.
Q: Why cut a Christmas tree, isn’t that hurting the environment?
A: The Christmas tree is a renewable crop and for every 1 tree cut the plantation plants 3 new seedlings. Young trees produce more oxygen as they grow than mature trees; so cutting a Christmas tree is good for the environment.
Q: What is the best mixture to put in the water to keep the tree fresh during the season?
A: The best thing to keep a tree fresh for the season is WATER. Don’t be fooled by something you heard through the grapevine. Water is what trees drink. Make sure once you have it in your stand you don’t let the waterline drop below the stump. If this happens the tree will produce sap and seal it, preventing water intake. You will need to make a fresh cut on the stump for the tree to take water again. Make sure you stand has a large water container.
Q: How do I care for a live tree?
A: Many people celebrate Christmas with a living tree. The roots are kept in a “ball” of earth. The ball can be wrapped in burlap or set into a container or pot. The tree may be added to the landscape after the holidays. To use a living Christmas tree successfully, please observe the following points:
• The adaptability of the species should be considered. Many species are shipped outside of their natural area and may not be adaptable to other areas. Check with a reliable nursery or extension forester.
- The tree should be stored in an unheated, sheltered area such as a garage or porch, out of the wind and sun.
- The tree will need adequate water. The root ball or soil should be kept slightly damp but not flooded.
- We recommend not leaving the live tree in the house for more than 3 to 5 days. • Do not remove the tree directly from a warm house out into freezing temperatures. Instead, move to a sheltered area first for several days.
- If the ground is unfrozen, the tree may be replanted. The spot to be dug may be mulched to prevent freezing. Plant as soon as possible. (If you dig the hold before the ground freezes you can bring the dirt into the house to keep it warm.)
- Do not remove the burlap and ropes (unless it is plastic). This keeps the root ball solid and secure. Cut the cord from the trunk after planting. Tap the tree container of a potted tree and remove prior to planting. Do not attempt to remove the solid from the root system. Earth removed from the original hold should be backfilled around the root ball. Do not put any dirt over the root ball. Make sure you plant the tree a few inches above the ground layer to allow for settling, mulching the difference. Mulch heavily over the top of the planted root ball to prevent it from freezing. Water only as needed: A Flooded tree may not survive.
- Stake the trees to prevent wind tipping or damage during the first growing season.
