
The Benefits of Growing Christmas Trees
ADVERTISEMENT
We always used fresh trees and after the holiday, put them up outside, tied to a diciduous tree, and decorated with edibles for out wild creatures throughout the winter. In the spring, with most of the needles gone, the tree would go into the raised bed or LARGE container of soil to grow peas and pole beans and morning gloies on. In the fall it became kindling and the ashes from our woodstove went back into the garden to sweeten the soil. Then, when our kids were about Jr. High age, they got upset at seeing the tree "go away" even though they knew it was helping the environment and our wild friends. After much begging on their part, we bought a very beautiful artificial (and expensive!) tree. We have cared for it carefully for years. My kids are in their 50's and the tree has lasted 40 years with care, careful cleaning and proper storage. People still think it's a real tree when they first see it and only realize it's not when they have a good, close look. There are certainly pros and cons to each side of the question. I won't condemn or criticize anyone for their choice of tree. It's such an individual decision.
Our local animal sanctuary puts Christmas trees after they are used at Christmas in the goat enclosure for goat enrichment. They are able to digest the needles and drag the trees around for fun!
I bought a pear pineapple tree do I need to get another to pollinate it or is there another way to pollinate it?
This variety is supposed to be self- fertile, but most trees bear better with a second variety such as a Flordahome or Hood Pear tree. To hand pollinate fruit trees, take a Q-tip or paint brush. Dap the center and then dab into other blossoms. You may need a ladder. This will work if self fertile though you will get better yield and quality fruit whenever you cross-pollinate with another pear variety in the same pollination group.
interesting; question: which Pine / Evergreen Trees or Boughs have the most permeating pine tree scent for the house?
I recently saw an interview with a tree farmer who suggested that once you get your tree home, you place it in a bucket or stand filled with warm water as this will dissolve any sap that has scabbed over the cut trunk and make it easier for your tree to absorb water. After that just use room temp water.
Thank you for your info on the care of Christmas trees. I buy a cut farsar fir from my local nursey, place the bundled tree in my unheated garage for about 2 to 3 weeks before I bring it into my home. Should I cut the tree and place in water while in the garage or wait until I bring it into my home? Thank yiou.
As long as the tree is kept cold, it won't need water. Trees sold on commercial lots have been cut weeks ago and since they are outside in the cold they are in a sort of suspended state until they are brought into a warm house. Then they need to have water. That said, if the water would not freeze and you don't mind the extra work involved, by all means recut the stump on your tree and place it in a bucket of water. Make sure to check it daily and refill the water when it gets low. Your tree will probably stay fresher longer.
Comments