For Christmas, some trees are better than others, although choosing a tree is probably mostly guided by emotion and aesthetics. Also, some trees are better kept alive in pots for the holidays, while others are better cut. Many people buy potted living trees with the intention of using them in landscaping plans after the holidays have passed. Even those who llive in climates where the ground is frozen during the winter months, potted trees can often be placed outside in their pot, then planted into the ground once the ground thaws in early or mid-spring. The wild songbirds will thank you for your planning and patience.
Disposal for cut trees has greatly improved over the years. Now, instead of dumping spent trees into the landfill, there are now many organizations that will recycle your tree, thereby putting it to one or more environmentally sound uses. Trees can be chipped to make mulch in local parks and areas that need ground covers for recovery. Trees can also be cut and then dried for use as firewood for backyard fireplaces. DIYers also often cut the trunk in thin slabs, then seal and finish them to make coasters and trivets. They can also be cut in thicker slabs to use as garden borders.
Note: since Christmas trees are conifers, their wood is soft and typically sappy, so the wood, even when dried, isn't recommended for indoor use. Hardwoods are much less inclined to gum up your chimney.
Tips for Tree Keeping
In the first week, a cut tree in your home will consume as much as a quart of water per day. Be sure to keep it well watered. It will stay moist this way. Don't burn your tree in the fireplace.
Here are some examples of popular Christmas trees:
Live Trees
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- Pinon Pine
- Austrian Pine
- Loge Pole Pine
- Ponderosa Pine
- Jeffrey Pine
- White Pine
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- Norway Spruce
- Alberta Spruce
- Blue Spruce
- Bakerii Spruce
- Foxtail Spruce
- Serbian Spruce
- Chinese Spruce
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Cut Trees
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- Nobel Fir
- Grand Fir
- Nordman Fir
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- Serbian Spruce
- Bosnian Pine
- Vandarwolf Limber Pine
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