Gardener’s Corner

If you are choosing a fresh cut tree this year there are some tips to help prolong the beauty.

Freshness is an important key if you are buying a precut (harvested, fresh-cut, etc.) tree. Of course, if you are cutting your own, or having it cut for you, you know it will be fresh!

The needles should be resilient. Take hold of a branch about six inches from the tip, between your thumb and forefinger, then pull your hand toward you allowing the branch to slip through your fingers.

The needles should adhere to the branch and not fall off in your hand. The needles should be flexible, not brittle. Run your finger down a branch - the needles should adhere to each twig. Bump the base end of the tree lightly against the ground to verify that the needles are firmly attached and to see if any outside needles fall off (inside needle loss in Pine trees is common every Fall and may lodge against the branches). If only a few drop off, the tree is fresh.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://www.etypeservices.com/Middle%20River%20HonkerID269/