Duneland.com > News & Announcements > Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree

December 01, 2009

Finding the perfect Christmas tree doesn’t have to be a chore – leave it to the experts to give you the best advice on which tree will best suit your needs.

In Duneland, Chesterton Feed and Garden Center has hundreds of fresh-cut and potted trees in stock, ready to take home and decorate as your centerpiece for the celebration. With his years of experience, owner Chuck Roth has chosen five varieties to feature that are sure to please this holiday season.

The most popular tree is the Fraser Fir, which features short ½” to 1” flattened needles which are dark green on one side and silvery on the other to give a “frosted” look. It is the “old-fashioned” tree with good needle retention, a nice scent and strong pyramid-shaped, layered branches which turn upward. It is named for botanist John Fraser, who explored the southern Appalachians in the late 1700’s. Taking longer to grow, they are usually the most expensive.

Douglas Firs have longer needles (1” to 1-1/2”), bluish to dark green color, and are a bit lighter branched than a Fraser. It also holds its needles well and has one of the best scents. It has a good conical shape and can live for a thousand years (uncut, of course). It is named after David Douglas, who studied the trees in the 1800’s.

The Balsam Fir looks much like the Fraser Fir, is soft-needled, open branching, and has a more relaxed tree form. Its ¾” to 1-1/2” needles don’t hold quite as well, are rounded at the tip and have a nice dark green color with a silvery cast. It is fragrant and named for the balsam, or resin, found in blisters on the bark. The resin was sold like chewing gum and used to treat wounds in the Civil War.

One of the nicest-shaped trees is the Black Hills Spruce. Its green to blue-green needles are just 1/4” to 1/3” long and are stiff, making it a bit prickly, especially for small children. Like all spruces, its needle retention is less than the firs.

The most common tree, the Scotch Pine, is usually the most economical because it takes less time to grow. Its dark green, one-inch needles are somewhat prickly, and shed the fastest. Its branches are stiff, and its open appearance provides more room for ornaments. It was introduced the United States by European settlers.

Above, left to right: The Balsam Fir, Black Hills Spruce, & Scotch Pine

At Chesterton Feed & Garden Center, all trees are hand-groomed to look their best. They have all been shaken and are hung standing in water constantly to keep them fresh. And to make things even easier, Chuck offers what he calls his “Marriage Saver Service,” in which the tree of your choice is delivered to your home, set up with a sturdy “Quick Stand,” and at the end of the season is picked up and taken away for recycling. It even includes a tree bag for easy disposal!

For those who prefer to save a few bucks and do it yourself, Chuck offers these tips for when your tree comes home:

• Handle the tree carefully – trees can break easily in cold weather.
• Unless a fresh-cut was made where you bought your tree, take 2” off the bottom immediately before putting it in the stand.
• If you can’t set up the tree immediately, keep the bottom of the trunk in water.
• Once it is set up, be sure to keep a constant supply of water. CFGC also offers a “Stay Fresh Kit” with tree crystals that keep the tree fresher and reduce the need for watering.
• A spray such as “Wilt Stop” can be used to prevent needle loss.

Most of all, take plenty of pictures, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the season that is Christmas!

Photos courtesy The National Christmas Tree Association, www.realchristmastrees.org