There are many options for ornamental trees during the holiday season. Texas A&M AgriLife experts have straightforward ideas and tips for the Christmas tree, including the ever-popular option – container or balls and bullap trees.
Oregon and North Carolina cover 51% of the Christmas trees each year, with 3.4 million and 4.3 million trees respectively. However, the number of tree farms in Texas has increased in recent years as a destination and as a supplier of saplings and locally grown trees.
Fraser, Douglas, and Bassam horses are popular tree species from other parts of the country. Eastern Red Cedar, Virginia and Afghanistan pine, and Arizona, Leyland and Carolina sapphire are ideal for growing in the Texas climate. These can be purchased locally as a cut tree or in a container.
Clay Christmas Tree Tips
Mike Arnold, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife, a landslide researcher in the Department of Horticultural Sciences and Brian-College, director of gardening at the University of Texas A and M University, said there is a growing trend to decorate trees planted during the holiday season. Pot trees, unlike deciduous trees, can be planted in a landscape after use for ornamental purposes.
“Green is an ideal option,” he said. “Instead of removing it, you go back, and I think a lot of people are attracted to it, the experience of planting trees and finding beautiful greenery in the landscape.”
There are two major issues with pot plants, according to Arnold – when choosing the right type of tree for the right environment and using it to decorate and protect the tree.
Considering tree bedding during the coldest winter months is important to avoid the effects of post-winter frosts, Arnold said. The tree should be kept indoors for as short as possible and should be kept outdoors or in a cool transition area.
Arnold recommends using LED lights for decoration because these do not heat up like old bulbs and can damage the tree.
“My advice is to keep the tree indoors for a few days before it arrives, and then plant it outdoors or on New Year’s Day soon, so you can have more problems in a week or 10,” he said. “When you bring a container tree into your home, the concern is that the tree is spring and it will break and the juice will start to move in the trunk. That spring-like activity can be damaging to the cold temperatures.
Arnold said buyers should consult with local agri-extension extension agents or nurseries to discuss a variety of options for the environment and the tree’s geographical location for growth practices and sunlight requirements.
According to Arnold, the basement should be moist as dry areas can cause moisture stress. During planting, trees should be planted slightly above ground level or above ground level to prevent water collection.
Arnold Rosemary makes a good alternative Christmas tree, and says that Norfolk Island pine and weeping fig trees, tropical trees, can be used as houseplants after the holidays.
“You must not hold a conference,” he said. “Other trees and houseplants can be used as temporary ornamental trees.”
Caring for cut down trees
Greg Grant, a member of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Smith County, said Christmas County consumers need to focus on choosing the right tree and keeping the right timing.
“One thing I’ve noticed over the last few years is that people are putting on Christmas decorations earlier and earlier, and people just have to remember that cut trees can only last for three to four weeks,” he said. .
When choosing a green tree, he said to look for trees that are not filled and damaged areas and to choose the right size for the place where it will be planted. Buyers should look for signs of decay, such as pruning trees, for example. Cut trees can travel long distances and dry marks may appear.
For this reason, Grant advises consumers to purchase trees from local farms that allow them to select and cut the tree of their choice. Variations will be limited by region, but freshly cut trees will last longer than those cut and shipped.
“When it comes to warmth, the environment is the best,” he said. “Tree farms are gaining popularity and they often carry both cut down trees and cut down trees. Buying a Christmas tree in such places is often about experience, and it helps to support local businesses.”
Extend the life of your Christmas tree.
To prolong the use of cut down trees, cut down on trees like Grant and put them in 5-gallons of water overnight. Be sure to cut the base square into the tree.
“Cutting is having the same effect as cut flowers. You are opening the foundation to absorb water, which improves longevity. “So one night put it directly into a bucket of water and let the tree drink again before you put it in the freezer.”
After sunset, the tree should be placed in a stand with a full reservoir of water. The water tank should be inspected daily and refilled before it dries.
LED lights should be used and should be turned off when the grant tree is not visible.
Cut trees cannot be replanted, but they can be more useful than ornamental life, Grant said. Two of the best are ponds for fish renovation and gardening.
“Getting them into a pond or out of the boat can provide good shelter for the fish, which makes it a good fishing spot,” he said. “And many municipalities and public works departments are providing disposal services.
Christmas Tree Tibbit
• Christmas tree species grow 1-2 feet per year and are usually marketable in six to eight years. For each harvested tree, two to three seedlings are planted each spring.
• Scottish pine is a very popular Christmas tree, and balsam trees are very fragrant.
• The worst trees for allergy potential are pine and cedar, and artificial trees are best for people with allergies. They are also very fire resistant options.
• Cut and straight tree species are slightly toxic to dogs and cats, so the tree oil can upset their stomachs if they chew the tree.