Tips for Christmas-tree hunters

Before starting the quest for the “perfect” Christmas tree, UW–Madison forestry professor Raymond Guries suggests a little homework on choosing and caring for this holiday centerpiece.

The Department of Forest Ecology and Management’s annual tree sale at the Stock Pavillion runs Friday through Sunday, Dec. 4-6. Hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Of the five tree varieties available in southern Wisconsin, two premium trees — the Fraser fir and balsam fir — offer most of what people value, he says. They hold their needles a long time, have excellent needle color and overall symmetry, and produce that classic fragrance that fills the house for weeks. They tend to run from $35 to $100, however. Other trees such as the white pine and Scots pine may not have all of those attributes, but are more attractively priced at $20 to $50.

White spruce is also found on some lots, but Guries says they tend to lose their needles quickly and do not remain attractive through the holidays.

Buyers can find many varieties at the department’s annual tree sale at the Stock Pavilion, which runs Friday through Sunday, Dec. 4 – 6. Hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. The 20-year tradition supports summer field skill programs for students in forest ecology and management.

With the trend toward putting up trees earlier in the season, even before Thanksgiving, Guries says the proper care of trees can add weeks to their life. Guries’ must-do list includes making a half-inch fresh cut off the bottom of the tree just before standing so it can better absorb water. Larger trees can take up several quarts of water a day, and should be watered at least twice daily. And keep the tree cool, away from heat sources.

Incidentally, Christmas trees are big business in Wisconsin, which is one of the nation’s top three producers. For more tree-hunting advice, contact Guries at (608) 262-0449 or (rpguries@facstaff.wisc.edu).