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    Evergreen Christmas: How to Source and Care For Your Tree During the Holidays

    The intoxicating scent of fresh pine pulls childhood memories of Christmas tree shopping, anxiously examining each tree because the decision sets the tone for the entire holiday season. While more people are beginning to reach for artificial trees, there are many of us that know there’s nothing like the real thing. 

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    Whether your tree’s been up since Black Friday, or you’re still in need of that all-important holiday centerpiece, here are a few tips on how to care for – or perhaps find – your tree.

    The phrase Christmas tree is often used as a blanket term to describe the many different species of conifers people use as their holiday centerpiece. Conifers, simply put, are trees that bear cones. Interestingly enough, there are over 20 different types of conifers, each with different characteristics that make a big difference in the look and longevity of your tree. The more popular species are pines, firs, spruces and cedar. Luckily, many conifers can be found around this city.

    The popular Timbuk Farms in Granville offers a wide variety, including Blue Spruce, White Pine and Douglas Fir. This cut-your-own tree farm offers festive activities like photos with Santa and the Timbuk Lodge where you can enjoy snacks and a warming fire.

    The best type of tree is one that matches your personal style. If you love the smell of Christmas trees, Balsam Fir would be a great choice, as it carries a wonderfully rich scent. For those in the market for something sturdy, a Scots Pine would be the perfect choice because its pines shed a lot less than other species. For those looking for something a bit more unique, Blue Spruce will do the job with its soft blue needles.

    Photo by Kelsey Lawrence

    If you need a tree but don’t have the time to go shopping, Seibel Trees provides the option to order trees online. The Dublin-based farm offers a gallery of available trees that you can select for pickup or delivery.

    It’s important to choose a good quality tree that will last through the holiday. Cutting your own tree will guarantee its freshness, but for those getting pre-cut trees, it’s a little more tricky. If you run your hands along the branches and the needles fall off, it’s likely the tree is dry and past its prime. If they hold up, there’s a good chance that the tree is in solid shape. 

    The key to keeping a cut conifer fresh is making sure it’s properly moisturized. Before bringing a tree into your home, you should cut one inch from the bottom to ensure it’s able to properly absorb water. Storing trees in at least a gallon of tap water will ensure that it has plenty to drink. It’s also advised to keep them away from heat sources, which will dry out the tree. 

    Once cut, a conifer will last for up to six weeks. You’ll notice it’s time to toss your tree when the pines become brittle and the leaves begin to snap. You’ll also notice that the tree is not absorbing water and shortly after it will begin to brown. Instead of taking your tree to the curb, there are places that will happily take your expired plants. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers a host of information regarding recycling to local parks, where they use them as habitats for native wildlife.

    Still need to find a tree? Here are some more spots to shop around Central Ohio:

    Trees on trees at Oakland Nursery – Photo by Susan Post
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    Kelsey Lawrence
    Kelsey Lawrencehttps://www.columbusunderground.com/
    Kelsey Lawrence is a freelance contributor to Columbus Underground as well as the fashion and literature editor for The Dollhouse Magazine. She holds a degree in English from The Ohio State University and is passionate about plant care, dystopian novels and using art to amplify marginalized voices.
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