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Freshness
is the key to having an enduring symbol of the holidays. Freshness is directly
related to the moisture content in the needles. Once the tree is cut, its life
functions quit. If placed in water, however, it will continue to function much
like a wick as it absorbs moisture through the stem. If adequate water is not
available for the tree, the moisture content of the needles (moisture is lost by
transpiration in your house) drops by about 35 to 50 percent. Trees that drop
below 85 percent moisture will not regain their freshness.
When
identifying a fresh tree, one obvious way is to cut your own (or observe it
being cut). Many families make a ritual out of selecting their own tree, and you
know that it is fresh that way. If you buy from a "lot," you need to
buy from a reliable dealer that can give information on how long the trees have
been cut. You then need to determine freshness for yourself.
Fresh
trees have needles that are that are relatively supple and firmly attached to
the twigs. All trees will have brown needles that will fall, but the green ones
are the ones that count! If the green needles tend to snap when bent between
your fingers, the tree is probably quite dry. If temperatures are low (around
zero), then all needles will snap since they are brittle. Fresh trees will have
a fragrance to them. They also will have a waxy, natural green appearance, but
some trees are sprayed with a needle colorant to make them more green.
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this article]
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When
caring for your freshly cut tree, start with trying to avoid hauling the tree
over a long distance where it will be exposed to the wind. Air moving across the
needles is what actually dries them out. If you purchase your tree from a sales
lot, buying the tree early will help ensure better freshness and selection. You
can then take the tree home and give it the proper attention.
Once
you get the tree home, you should make a fresh cut on the trunk of the tree,
place it immediately in water and store it in a cool place (like your garage).
Avoid putting the tree on the ground, since it could freeze in place and be
difficult to move. The cut you make at home is important. You should make a
straight cut to make it easier on you, and the tree will take up just as much
water as if you made an angled cut.
Water
is then the rule! Make sure your stand will hold enough water for your tree. A
fresh tree may use up to two quarts of water the first 24 hours and up to a
quart a day for the first week. You also have to have the water level above the
cut surface of the trunk to keep your tree fresh.
When
you locate your tree, make sure it is not by a fireplace, furnace outlet or
other heat source, as they will dry it out. Closing a heat register in the area
of your tree will help keep warm drafts from drying out one side of the tree.
A
properly cared for tree that was fresh to start with can safely be displayed in
the home for at least two weeks. The tree is actually your best indicator. If
needles start dropping and water use stops, there could be problems developing.
Hopefully these
tips will help you enjoy your holiday season.
[John
Fulton]
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Hartem
team places fifth in national FFA competition
[NOV.
2, 2000]
The
Hartem FFA Ag Issues team placed fifth out of 27 teams at the recent National
FFA Convention competition. The team members — Kate Wrage, Matt Duckworth,
Sarah Struebing, Nick Reinhart, Anthony Jones, Nic Coers and Natalie Coers —
presented a forum on genetically modified organisms. The
team advanced through the preliminaries and into the semifinal rounds. By going
this far, the team ranked as a National Silver Emblem winner.
While at the
convention, the team, along with Hartem FFA members Daniel Eeten and Brittney
Kavanaugh, heard keynote speaker Debra Norville and witnessed the naming of the
American Star Farmer and American Star in Agribusiness, besides taking time to
tour the Agriculture Career Show.
[Left to right: Nick Reinhart, Natalie Coers, Anthony Jones
Kate Wrage, Sarah Struebing, Matt Duckworth and Nic Coers]
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