When selecting a Christmas Tree, it can be overwhelming when a choice must be made. Even though there are different varieties of trees to choose from, often the buyer has not given the specific variety much thought until now and it is time to decide which variety is best. Each variety has some pluses and minuses, and some homeowners may have very specific requirements for the type of tree they want in their home. The tree will probably be a focal point in the home for a month or more and we all want a tree that will hold up well for this period.
Before going to Wilco to buy your tree, decide where it is going to be in the house and measure the height of the location where it will be. There is no reason to get a tree that will not fit where you want it. It is also a good idea to measure the width, so you don’t have to cut off branches.
One of the most important things to think about before taking your tree home is, do you have an adequate tree stand? Many of us, myself included, have probably had experiences of trying to get a large tree into a stand that is too small. Some years ago, we actually had a tree fall over, and it was fully decorated. We now have a heavy duty stand. Chal Landgren, a Christmas tree specialist with Oregon State Extension Service says that a stand should hold a quart of water for every inch of stem diameter. A tree with a 6-inch stem diameter will need a stand that holds a gallon and a half of water.
Jack Post, 8' Medium Tree Stand, 508-ST
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Both of the above tree stands are designed for larger size trees.
Most Wilco stores will be carrying three varieties of Christmas Trees; Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, and Nordmann Fir. Seeing them at a store, they may look similar, but they do have differences.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir trees are native to the Pacific Northwest and have long been the most popular choice for Christmas trees in the United States. However, they are not the most popular in Oregon, that honor goes to the Noble Fir. The needles on a Douglas Fir tend to stick out in all directions from the branch. They are usually a dark green and soft to the touch. The needles are fragrant when crunched and it is what I would call a ‘woodsy aroma’, very pleasant.
Noble Fir
The Noble Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in Oregon and has been for quite a few years. Like the Douglas Fir, it is a native of the Pacific Northwest and the Siskiyou Mountains in California. The Noble Fir has long been known for branches that are evenly spaced, which makes them good for hanging ornaments. The needles can be a gray-green color and almost silver looking. Another reason for their popularity is that they are known for keeping their needles on for a long time without needle drop.
Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann Fir is a newcomer on the local Christmas tree scene. This native of Turkey, Greece, and the Caucasus region and is becoming increasingly more popular as people learn about them. I was introduced to a Nordmann Fir a few years ago and it is now the Christmas tree of choice for my family. Nordmann Fir trees have soft needles that stay on the tree long after the tree has been cut. They do not have a strong scent and many people with allergies are less sensitive to them, as compared to other Christmas trees. None of the trees I mentioned are ‘bad’, but if I were choosing, Nordmann Fir would be my top choice.
You’ve bought your tree and you have a stand that will support it and hold an adequate amount of water. The last thing to do is cut about one-quarter inch off the base and immediately put the tree in water. There are many remedies as to preserving a tree by adding something to the water. I have heard of bleach, aspirin, vodka, 7-Up, sugar, molasses, etc. However, Chal Landgren from OSU would say that clean, cold water is all that is needed. The first few days your tree is up, it will probably ‘drink’ quite a bit of water, so check the water basin often.
Jack Post, HandiThings HT-300-12 Tree Funnel, Plastic
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SANTA Christmas Tree Preserve, 16-oz.
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Northwest Premium Fresh Cut Noble Fir Christmas Tree
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Northwest Premium Fresh Cut Douglas Fir Christmas Tree
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Premium Fresh Cut Nordmann Fir Christmas Tree
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Get more Christmas tree care tips here.
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