ROCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS…
There are many pros and cons of buying a real Christmas tree versus an artificial one—cost, upkeep, etc. There is no denying that the scent of a natural Christmas tree does create the flavor of Christmas unlike an artificial one. For traditionalists who refuse to go fake route, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your real Christmas tree lasts longer, makes less of a mess and, most importantly, is safer.
“For best results, you want to buy your tree as early in the season as possible,” said George Chapman, master grower at Concord Nurseries in Rochester, Massachusetts. “You want to be sure to give your tree a fresh cut of at least a third to a half inch off the bottom. Place your tree in a bucket of water outdoors in the shade or in a garage or shed until you’re ready to set it up indoors.”
Chapman recommends the following steps to optimizing the life expectancy of your tree and maintaining the safety of your home:
- Place your tree in an area that will remain as cool as possible.
- Keep your tree away from heat registers, stoves, fireplaces, etc.
- Water your tree – Some people suggest adding preservative, sugar, lemon juice, or other additives to your Christmas tree water. There is really only one thing your Christmas tree needs – a continuous source of FRESH WATER.
- Never allow your tree stand to run dry – The freshness of your tree will determine how much water it will drink. Freshly cut trees (for example, the trees at Concord Nurseries were cut one week ago) require a lot of water. Check your tree stand daily and refill.
Of course, the other part of the natural Christmas tree experience is what to do with it after the holidays. While it’s fairly easy to box up an artificial tree, many people are unsure of what to do with a real one.
Said Chapman, “After the holidays, your tree can be cut up and used as a winter mulch for tender perennials, or you can simply place it in your backyard to provide a protective spot for overwintering birds.”
With locations in Rochester and Concord, Massachusetts, Concord Nurseries offers a variety of Christmas trees in a wide range of sizes. In addition to trees, Concord Nurseries sells decorated and undecorated holiday wreaths ranging in size from 12-inches to 48-inches, as well as a wonderful selection of poinsettias in several colors—red, white, pink and marble—and sizes—four inches to 10 inches.
Concord Nurseries is open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 5pm, Friday, 10am to 7pm and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
For complete information on Concord Nurseries, visit www.ConcordNurseriesCSA.com.
Concord Nurseries
Concord Nurseries s a local greenhouse grower of vegetables, vegetable plants flowers and ornamental plants with locations at 874 Barretts Mill Road in Concord, Massachusetts and 22 Cranberry Highway (Route 28) in Rochester, Massachusetts. Concord Nurseries offers a retail farm stand at both locations for consumers, as well as a wholesale division for commercial businesses.
Concord Nurseries is open Monday through Thursday, 10am to 5pm, Friday, 10am to 7pm and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
For additional information, including sales and event info, please visit www.concordnurseriescsa.com or visit the Facebook pages for each location, www.Facebook.com/ConcordNurseriesCSA for Concord and www.Facebook.com/ConcordNurseriesRochester for Rochester.
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