Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Purdue University
FNR-423-W
& Natural Resou Forestry and Natural Resources
stry r
e
ce
For
s
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real
Christmas Trees
PURDUE UNIVERSITY Daniel Cassens, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Recutting
A tree that has been cut for more than six to eight hours
needs to have inch or so cut off of the butt end before
you place it in a tree stand and water it. When a tree is cut
and the cut left exposed to air, the exposed cells become
blocked to water uptake. When recut, the tree is then able
to take up water (use cool water).
Tree Stands
Tree set-up can be one of the most difficult parts of the
entire process due to the large variation in available tree
stands. However, choosing the right stand can make the
process easy. Stands can be made from metal, plastic, a Figure 3. Some choose-and-cut farms offer a stand with a
centrally positioned upward-pointing spike.
combination of the two materials, or even concrete. Some
have legs that extend out a considerable distance from the
is set up vertically and straight in the boring machine.
butt of the tree and provide stability. Others have shorter
The butt of the tree is bored. Once you take the tree to
legs or no legs at all. Some have large water contain-
its set-up location, you lay it flat, and drive the spike into
ers; others have very small containers. So, how do you
the previously bored hole. Use a heavy hammer to pound
choose the best stand for your tree? What should you
the spike completely into the hole. Then, simply tip the
look for?
tree up and properly position it. If they mount the tree
The main characteristics to look for in a tree stand are: on its stand at the point of purchase, it will be difficult to
stability (to hold the tree upright) transport without loosening the stand.
adequate water capacity (about one quart for each inch Some extra heavy-duty stands are designed to accom-
of stem diameter) modate large treesthose much taller than 10 feet. With
ease of set-up (Thumb screws have been used for some of these stands, you clamp the tree in the stand and
years, but can be hard to manage when you are on use a foot pedal and ball system to set the tree straight.
your hands and knees under the tree tightening the Stands can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a large
thumb screws and keeping the tree straight all at the sum. A moderately priced stand in the $15 to $25 range
same time.) should provide adequate stability for trees less than nine
Some choose-and-cut farms offer a stand with a cen- feet tall and is reusable. Many tree farms sell stands and
trally positioned upward-pointing spike. A special boring can help you select an appropriately sized stand for
machine prepares the tree to accept the spike. The tree your tree.
2
Tips for First-Time Buyers of Real Christmas Trees FNR-423-W
It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and
facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran.
Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.