Caring for your Christmas tree
----------------------------------------------------------------
Despite the overwhelming choice of imitation and non-drop trees, Christmas just isn’t Christmas for many people without the fresh pine scent of the traditional Norway Spruce

Buying: Waiting till last minute may land you with a dried-out tree. Buy fresh tree in good time and stand in bucket of water until needed

Appearance: Strong colour and fragrance indicates that tree has been cut recently

Condition: Run your hand along branch. Needles should spring back but not drop

Care: Saw 3cm from bottom of trunk to remove dried sap and allow tree to soak up water. Place tree in sturdy stand or bucket of gravel –
add water as needed. Don’t stand tree in soil or fine sand as pores can become blocked

Norway Spruce can grow to 40m

Safety: Place tree in coolest location indoors away from fireplaces or radiators to prevent drying out and reduce chances of stray sparks igniting tree

Do not overload extension cords. Check tree lights for worn, exposed or frayed wire and broken or cracked bulbsDisposal: Have old tree mulched, or cut up for firewood
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Sources: Forestry Commission,
University of Illinois
words 191