Retail Care

 

Are imported trees always drier than locally grown trees because of differences in harvesting dates?
Research has shown that trees shipped into markets from some of the major Christmas tree production areas generally arrive with as high a moisture level as "fresh" cut locally-grown trees. Generally, the handling of trees on the retail lots has the greatest effect on their moisture levels (freshness) and quality.

What's the best way to prevent trees from drying out?
Trees being stored should be held in a shaded area that is protected from temperature extremes and wind. In most cases, covering trees with shade cloth, burlap or boughs and spraying the piles with water is more effective than using plastic, which may allow light to pass through it and result in damage to the trees.

Will spraying trees in hot climates cause the needles to discolor?
The greatest potential for drying occurs once the trees are un-baled and displayed. Retailers can significantly reduce the rate of drying on trees displayed by spraying their foliage during the night and early morning.

Keeping Trees fresh on retail lot.
The greatest way to keep trees fresh, if available is to stand them on their trunks in a grass or earth area with shaving or sawdust under them.  Watering the ground area will allow the tree to take moisture in the trunk and keep it fresh as it was planted.  If storing on concrete or asphalt it is important to stand trees if possible to spray water under them for evaporation to keep them fresh.  If trees must be stacked on their side, they need to have shade cloth covering them to keep the Sun's rays from drying them.