Captain Jack's Christmas Tree Farm


(515) 964-8500


All photos and materials are copyrighted 1997 by Captain Jack
Permission is granted for personal use only
WHEN YOU GET YOUR TREE HOME
Store your tree in a cool, dry place (inside an unheated garage is a
good location) or outside out of the sun (under a deck) until you are ready
to put the tree up. Do not remove tree wrapping string at this time. You
can store the tree for 3 to 4 weeks in a cool area out of the wind and sun
and not do any damage to the tree
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO PUT THE TREE UP
- If the tree is frozen or has ice on the branches or is wet in any
way, thaw it out slowly and allow it to drip dry somewhere other than on
your carpet.
- Decide on a good placement for the tree. The tree must never be
placed in front of an open furnace vent (hot air) nor anywhere near a fireplace
or wood stove. Doing so will cause the tree to dry out prematurely.
- Make a new cut on the bottom of the tree (remove 1/2 inch to 1 inch).
- Place the tree in a tree stand that is large enough to hold at least
one gallon of water.
- If you purchased a tree bag, you may place it under the tree stand
at this time.
- Pour water into the tree stand and maintain this level throughout
the Christmas season. The tree should never be without water. Use warm
to hot water for the first watering to help open the pores in the tree.
- Remove the string around the tree.
- Turn the tree so that you can view the best side.
- Decorate tree. It is important that you put properly working lights
on your tree.
- Put a tree skirt or a sheet around the base of the tree to protect
carpet from sap.
- Check for freshness weekly by bending a green needle with your fingers
to see if the needle snaps or bends. If it bends without snapping, the
tree is still fresh. Don't panic if you hear cracking sounds during the
night, the pine cones on the tree may open in your warm home.
- After Christmas, remove the tree and either place it on the curb
for the city to chop into woodchips, or stand it up in the back yard as
a winter shelter for birds.
- Your tree should last 3 to 4 weeks inside your home with proper
care. If tree runs out of water, a fresh cut must be made on the tree to
reopen the closed pores.


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