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>>> Technical and Browser Questions

(Q) How can I perform a "freshness test" on my tree?

(A) Gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pull it toward you.  Very few needles should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh.  Shake or bounce the tree on its stump.  You should not see an excessive amount of green needles fall to the ground.  Some loss of interior brown needles is normal and will occur over the lifetime of a tree.

(Q) Is there anything else I can do, aside from watering my tree, to keep it fresh?

(A) The best secret for keeping your tree fresh is water, water, water.  Once you get your tree you want to cut 1/4 inch off the end and put it immediately into water be sure to store your tree in a cool, shaded place out of the sun, such as a covered porch or a garage, until you’re ready to set up your tree.  Even during that time you need to keep your tree in a bucket of water.  The best thing you can do to keep your tree fresh is to make sure it never runs out of water.

(Q) How long will my tree stay fresh?

(A) If a tree is properly cared for and watered, it should stay fresh through New Year’s Day.

(Q) Should I add anything to the water in the tree stand to help it stay fresh?

(A) No.  Your tree will stay fresh with just plain water; additives are unnecessary.

(Q) What kind of tree stand should I use and how big should it be?

(A) There are several different types and styles of tree stands to choose from. The most important characteristic is water capacity.  A good rule-of-thumb is one quart for every inch in diameter of the tree’s trunk.  For example, the average six foot tree has a trunk with a four inch diameter, so the tree stand should hold 1 gallon of water.  You should also make sure the stand "fits" the tree -- if it is too big or too small it might cause the tree to tip over.  Do NOT trim the sides of the trunk to fit it in a stand -- trees drink from the sides near the trunk.  Ask us on the lot if you need advice.

(Q) What if my tree doesn’t seem to be absorbing water in the stand?

(A) If you’ve followed all the care tips (keep it out of sun and wind, as well as making a fresh cut off the base before setting it up indoors) there are a couple of things to consider.  First, if you cut your own tree at our farm, it will not absorb water right away since it has not had time to begin drying out.  Second, the best indicator of dryness is the tree itself, not the water level in the stand.

(Q) What if I forgot to make a fresh cut off the base of the tree before setting it up?

(A) Within 4 to 6 hours of exposure, the tree will form a sap seal over the stump and it will not absorb water.  If this happens, you can really only do two things: either take all decorations off and the tree out of the stand and make a fresh cut, or drill holes into the trunk ½ in. deep , ½ in. apart.  This might allow the tree to start absorbing water.  But once this is done, be sure to keep the water level above the holes.

(Q) What kind of cut should I make?

(A) Although some people make angled cuts thinking it helps the tree absorb more water, this is not true.  A thin, (1/4 in.) horizontal cut is best for stability.

(Q) What sort of guarantee do I have with landscape plants?

(A) Due to the many conditions beyond our control (such as delay or poor handling in transit; improper care before and during planting; drought, fertilizer and herbicide damage after planting), we CANNOT GUARANTEE SURVIVAL OF PLANT MATERIAL.  We do everything possible to ensure survival of all plant material.

(Q) Do Real Trees present the type of fire hazard we are often told about?

(A) The National Fire Protection Association tracks fires and their causes.  According to their data, of all residential fires, Real Christmas Trees are involved in less than 1/10 of one percent (0.1%).  Keep that in mind if you see a sensational blazing tree on the "Action News".  These trees are often doused in a flammable liquid or cut many months prior to harvest time.

(Q) Should I be concerned about bugs being in a tree?

(A) In our climate, bugs are dormant long before December.  There are a few instances where insects can be cocooned on the tree and the warm temperature in a house will bring them out.  However, this is very rare.  Thumping the tree on the ground before bringing it into the home will alleviate most potential problems while also eliminating dead needles.

(Q) How do I plant a potted tree?

(A) Congratulations for making the decision to have a living Christmas tree!  Don't keep it indoors too long, as a living room's dim light and low humidity are less than ideal.  Finding the best place to plant your tree is important.  Seek somewhere with full sunlight and excellent drainage.  Don't plant further out than you can stretch the watering hose.  Beyond that, consider the mature size and shape of the tree before you get the spade.  When you do, dig a spot the same depth of the container (slightly shallower if drainage is poor).  Dig as wide as you can.  Remove weeds, pressing lightly as you backfill to remove air pockets.  Do not add fertilizer, compost or soil amendments to the hole.  Use extra soil and stones to build a low berm around the loose soil.  It is wise to add one or two inches of good compost, or three to four inches of mulch.  Water slowly and deeply as needed, checking the moisture level every week or two for the first two growing seasons.

(Q) What is the best species of Christmas tree?

(A) The best species is the one YOU like best.  Read through the tree varieties section of our website and find the one that has the most characteristics you desire, then go to a lot or farm and have fun shopping for just the right tree!

(Q) Is your address 575 Auburn Road or P O Box 308?

(Q) When I try to use the automatic bookmark function within my browser, why do I get an error message?

(A) Certain web browsers, namely Compuserve 2000 and America Online 7.0's browsers, do not support this one function.

(Q) Why do some of your web page wordings appear to have jagged edges?

(A) This site is designed for the most popular browsers and screen settings. If your software or settings differ from the majority of U.S. viewers, your web page may appear to have jagged edges.