Meadows Farms carries the best variety of cut Christmas trees to be found anywhere in the Metropolitan area to provide every family with their favorite kind of Christmas tree. Some trees do hold their needles longer than others, but it is more a matter of care and preservation measures after you get the tree home as to how long most trees can hold their needles. Because we buy so many trees, our growers cut our trees just before loading them on trucks for delivery to us, helping to ensure that we always have the freshest trees possible for our customers.
Some Considerations Before Buying Your Cut Christmas Tree
- Decide in advance what height tree you need. Remember, a taller tree can be cut off from the bottom and excess branches used for other decorations.
- If you’re planning to place the tree in a corner, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be perfectly shaped.
- Consider how long your tree will be up, the temperature the tree will be exposed to, and select the kind of tree with the needle retention you need.
Care of Your Cut Christmas Tree
Until you are ready to trim your tree, store it outside in a sheltered area (a cold garage is ideal- the wind will dry out the tree). If it is going to be a week or more before you decorate, make a fresh, straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut to open the tree stem to take up water. Then plunge the trunk end immediately into freshwater. If you purchase your tree and have us do the trunk cut for you, get your tree in water as quickly as possible to preserve the fresh cut. Keep water above the fresh-cut, or a new one will be necessary. If the water level drops below the cut, a seal will form, which does not permit the tree to take in more water. Water consumption is related to trunk diameter and not to height. An average tree will consume between two pints and one gallon of water per day.
You should protect the tree from freezing conditions and extreme heat at all times. If possible, bring the tree into a partially heated area (basement) the night before decorating to help it adjust gradually to the warmer temperature.
Place the tree as far away from heat sources as possible. These elements will dry your tree and cause it to drop its needles prematurely. Place the tree in a container or a stand that will hold water. Do not shave the sides of the tree trunk to fit the tree into your tree stand. Mix Tree Life tree preservative (sold in our garden centers) with the water as instructed on the package and water the tree daily. Proper use of tree preservatives and water will prolong the needle retention of your tree.
Trees Available at Meadows Farms
White Pine
White pine trees hold needles much longer than most trees. Usually, it is not a good tree to hang a lot of heavy ornaments on. Grown in North Carolina.
Fraser Fir
Best all-around tree sold at Meadows Farms. It is very aromatic with excellent needle retention. Very easy to hang ornaments on. Grown in North Carolina.
Douglas Fir
Very thick and full with excellent needle retention. Easy to decorate. Grown in Oregon.
Balsam Fir
Its symmetrical, spike-like crown, shining dark-green color, and spicy fragrance have made it a favorite Christmas tree for hundreds of years.
Noble Fir
All around desirable tree. Beautiful shape, fragrance, and needle retention.
Nordmann Fir
Shiny, deep green with strong branches for ornaments. Softer needles and resistant to shedding. Low fragrance.
Happy Holidays From Meadows Farms