CHRISTMAS TREE: CHOOSE IT, USE IT AND REUSE IT CHECKLIST
It was the day we had been impatiently waiting for. Is it time? Is it time?
Dad, is it time? Mom dressed us in our boots, woolly hats and mittens and bundled us up in
thick coats before loading my sisters and me into the back seat of Dad’s sturdy sedan.
On the way there we breathed heavily on the windows and with our fingers drew pictures
of trees glowing with sparkling lights. When we arrived, we clambered out of our seats
and stared in wonder at the divine specimens standing before us.
While Mom walked about saying, “Isn’t this one pretty,” Dad took a more
businesslike approach to the process. But it wasn’t long before one of the green beauties
was chosen and we were heading home with our prize securely stowed on the top of the car.
Choose It:
Know what size will fit in your room
Measure the opening in your stand and make sure the trunk size you choose will fit the stand
Take the measurements and a tape measure with you when choosing a tree
Check for freshness (run fingers down a branch)
Know what type of tree you want (Douglas fir, Fraser fir, cypress, pine)
Make sure you can transport your tree home safely in your vehicle
Bring a tarp or blanket to place the tree on to avoid damaging your vehicle
Bring gloves for handling the tree
Most tree sellers will have rope, but consider bringing your own
Use it:
Recut the trunk (many tree sellers will do this for you)
Place freshly cut trunk in water as soon as possible (within an hour is best)
Place the tree in your home away from heating or fire sources
Use a sturdy stand
Consider attaching the stand to a piece of plywood for more stability
Make sure the tree is in the stand tightly and level
Place waterproof sheet under the tree stand to protect flooring
Light your tree only when you are home (otherwise unplug the lights)
Do not run light cords across walkways or where they can be tripped over
Water, water, water Tip: If each ornament has its own home (box, space in a container or wrapper) there will be less of a chance that you will leave an ornament on the tree when the holiday is over
Reuse It:
Place the tree in your yard as a wildlife shelter
Chip and use the mulch in garden beds
Donate to wildlife habitat
Drop it off at a recycling center
Do not store the tree inside your garage while you are waiting to dispose of it
