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OUR CHRISTMAS TREES
DOUGLAS FIR $49
[PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII]
Very popular in the US since the 1920s, the Douglas fir has soft, dark green or blue green needles that grow on all sides of its branches. The needles give off a lovely citrus fragrance when crushed. The tree grows very symmetrically and is particularly full. The tree is popular for its good needle retention and its relative lightness, it can be easier to transport home and manipulate in a stand.
GRAND FIR $56
[ABIES GRANDIS]
The Grand Fir has a glossy dark green color with needles that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. This tree is soft to the touch and may not be able to hold heavier ornaments. It has the strongest fragrance of all the trees. If you enjoy the scent of your Christmas tree you should try a Grand Fir.
NOBLE FIR $64
[ABIES PROCERA]
The Noble Fir is a beautifully scented, rich green tree with short needles that turn upward, exposing the underside of the branches. Known for its beauty, the noble fir keeps well. Its branches are sturdy yet the needles are not too sharp, making it easy to decorate. The Nobles have good spacing between branches so it's easy to hang ornaments on them. These trees have a hint of blue to their needles and have nice even layers of branches.
NORDMANN FIR $64
[ABIES NORDMANNIANA]
The Nordmann fir is favored for its attractive foliage, with needles that are not sharp and do not drop readily as the tree dries out. It is a popular ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. Its needles have a lighter green underside to create a two-tone ‘flash’ effect. Its scent is beautiful, but quite subtle.
TURKISH FIR $60
[ABIES EQUITROJANI]
The Turkish fir is sometimes confused with the Nordman fir but is a very different species. The main difference is that the needles are flatter and radiate out more from the stem. This tree has two-tone needles that have a dark silvery-green underside, which is very attractive and has excellent keep-ability. Its strong branches can hold heavy ornaments and needles are retained a long time in the home if the tree is kept watered. This too has a beautiful but subtle scent.
Purchasing Tips
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Measure your space
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Think about what type of decorations you will be using
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Learn about the different species of trees
Tree Home Care
When a Christmas tree is cut, more than half its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree. Below are a number of tips on caring for your tree:
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Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
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To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
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Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
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Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
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Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
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The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
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Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
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Keep trees away from major sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
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Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
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Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
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Do not overload electrical circuits.
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Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
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Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is very dry, remove it from the house.
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Find a recycling program near you.
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Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.