It’s that time of year when people are decorating for the holidays. It’s estimated that only around 23% of homes displaying Christmas trees will choose the real thing.
There’s something to be said for a real Christmas tree. An internet search shows several tree farms in Portage County. To find one near you, go to https://neochristmastrees.com. Many farms have gift shops, lighting displays, hot chocolate, and more. This can make getting the tree an event which can turn into a highly anticipated yearly tradition. Tree farms are local businesses that create jobs in the community. The people who own and run them can use their knowledge to guide your selection ensuring you get the best tree for you.
When the season is over, live trees can be planted when the ground is warm enough. Cut trees can be recycled into mulch or used to help shelter wildlife like birds or fish (Check local community websites to find out how to properly dispose of your tree in Portage County).
It can be very rewarding to pick, cut, or dig your own tree. Just be sure to dress for the weather and the sap. A well-chosen and properly cared for real tree will provide wonderful fragrance for the entire holiday season as well as helping the local economy and the environment.
Just remember when bringing a cut tree home, cut a minimum of one quarter inch off the base of the trunk. This allows your tree to take up water. Immediately place your tree in the stand and fill it with water before a new seal can form. Be sure to use a stand with a minimum capacity of one gallon as your tree can drink that much every day. Check the stand daily and refill as needed.
Christmas Tree Facts
Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource
There are more than 700 Christmas tree farms in the Buckeye State
Ohio has over 7,700 acres of growing Christmas trees. 1 acre provides enough oxygen for 18 people
For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2-3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring
The average growing time for a 6-foot tree is seven years (although it can take 15 years)
If you’re not sure what type of tree to get, here’s a brief rating list of Christmas trees commonly grown in Northeast Ohio:
Best Overall — Balsam Fir — widely known for that ‘Christmas tree’ fragrance, with dark, green, ¾ inch needles, sturdy branches, and good needle retention
- Canaan Fir is a genetic variation of the balsam fir with 1 inch needles. It is a relative newcomer to the Christmas tree industry with rising popularity.
- Concolor Fir has soft, silver-blue needles 2-3 inches long with a ‘citrus’ aroma and excellent needle retention
Best for Decorating — Fraser Fir (A.K.A. Southern Balsam) — emerald green and silver ¾ inch needles with strong branches are excellent for heavier ornaments. Great needle retention
Most Widely Available — Douglas Fir — Although not a true fir, it has a sweet, evergreen fragrance with 1-inch needles. Needle retention is good as long as you keep it well watered. There is a ‘blue’ strain.
Best Low Maintenance Tree — Scotch/ Scots Pine — extremely hardy with excellent water and needle retention. Up-curved branches with blue/green 2-3 inch needles. Iconic Christmas tree shape.
Others
White Pine — soft, lacy, blue-green foliage with needles about three to four inches in length. A very graceful-looking evergreen, with strong fragrance and excellent needle retention
Colorado Blue Spruce — premier ornamental evergreen due to form and color which varies from dark green to indigo 3/4-inch needles. Sturdy branches and strong needle retention.
