Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!

05 Nov 2009 | 12:00 AM PST | Posted by seasoil.com Staff | Category: Seasons

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!  Ahhh, nothing beats the smell of a real Christmas tree in the house during the holidays, rivaling even the baking fresh from the oven.  Put the two together along with a glass of eggnog and you've got a great start on creating the perfect Christmas scene. 

Christmas trees have been around a long time but lately there's been an increase in those imposters, the 'fake' tree, the unscented, unexciting, uninspiring artificial tree.  While there may be a place in some situations for fake trees (although I can't think of one right now) for me they just don't measure up to the real deal, no matter how much artificial pine, cedar or fir scented spray you douse them with.  Maybe if you took your glasses off and dimmed the lights you might mistake it for a real tree but for me nothing beats a fresh tree.
 
That being said, there are many types of trees you can use to decorate your home with but the most popular ones B.C. Grown Firs.  Douglas, Grand, Noble, Nordman and Fraser Firs.  The Firs seem to be the cut trees of choice and they all have their own qualities that make them ideal in any home.  The Douglas is the old standby, seen as a Charlie Brown tree to some and indeed many of the uncultured ones can be but the majority on the market are cultured (sheared or pruned to be bushier) or semi-cultured.  They are fast growers making them the most affordable of the cut trees and they sport a citronella fragrance.  

The Grand is considered the most fragrant with a tangerine scent.  The Noble, one of my old-time favourites has excellent needle retention and the branches are strong and layered, making room for larger and heavier ornaments.  The Nordman is similar to the Noble in that it holds its needles well and is strong branched.  The Fraser is fast becoming my first choice because its narrow pyramidal shape works well in smaller spaces.  It also holds its needles remarkably well (and I've really stretched the 10 day recommended period of having a cut tree inside) and the silvery undersides are attractive.  The Noble, Nordman and Fraser Firs are slower growers making them a little on the dearer side in price but for me it's well worth it as trying to dislodge needles from my carpet after the festive season is over is not my idea of fun.  And, oh, what a fragrance!
 
Remember to always cut an inch off the base of your tree just before you put it in your tree stand.  The cut end will seal itself within 4 hours if not in water leaving the tree unable to quench its thirst and thirsty it will be so keep checking the level of water in your stand.   Never place your tree next to any heat source (fireplace, heater) and always turn the Christmas tree lights off when you go to bed or leave the house.  Keep a watchful eye on pets as cats are notorious for attacking ornaments and dogs like to chew chords. 

To make clean up easier after the holidays, especially if you've gone with a cheaper model of tree, use a tree bag underneath when setting up then just pull it up over the tree and lug the whole thing out the door where you can then remove the stand without leaving a trail of dreaded needles in your wake. 
 
I hope that I've inspired you to wander the Christmas tree stands at the garden centre this December, rub the needles and inhale the magical smell of tradition.    Whether it's a Douglas or a Fraser Fir, 'cut' or 'live', nothing beats the true fresh Christmas tree.  Oh, and don't forget to add the tasty cookies warm from the oven and the eggnog.  Happy Holidays!

Shirley Eppler