Show Loving care for Christmas tree treeBy By Dy Honda Ronda Harris Home biome Economist Extension A Christmas tree trimmed with the finery of ornaments and tinsel decked with loops of decorations and sheltering wrapped brightly-wrapped gifts is indeed a wonder to behold But nut look at atthe atthe atthe the tree itself More than likely it isn't just any tree but a tree which adds to your families own special traditional spirit t. t To help you select a tree that thatIs Is just right for your home and andone andone andone one which will maintain its freshness throughout the holiday season study the following tips as outlined by the US U.S. Department of Agriculture MAKING THE SELECTION The tree should taper gently to the top from a full bottom There should be an ample number of branches from which to hang the decorations free from unsightly gaps or scars The tree should look fresh and clear and the needles and branches need to be pliable not brittle Determine where in your home you will display the tree With this In mind you will be beable beable beable able to tell what height you will need and whether all four lour sides must be suitable Imitable for display You should select a tree which is the right height for the space you have chosen for It Cutting Gutting large barge portions off either end will alter the natural taper of the tree When buying from a lot shake or bounce the tree on the ground lightly to see that the needles are firmly attached If only a few drop off off the tree is fresh and with proper care should retain its freshness Indoors throughout the holiday season The limbs should be strong enough to hold ornaments and strings of or lights The tree should have a strong fragrance and good green color KEEPING TILE THE TREE FRESH SO IT WILL NOT BECOME A FIRE HAZARD If U you buy your tree several days before it will be set up and decorated store it outside Cut the butt of the tree at a diagonal about one inch above the original cut this cut this opens the pores and aids in the absorption of water Place the butt end in a container of water When you bring the tree into the house saw the butt again squaring off the diagonal This facilitates placing the tree in a stand as well as aiding ab ab- sorption Keep the butt end of tree in a container of water the entire time it is in the house Refill container daily dally as as the tree requires a lot of water Sprinkling Sprinkling i ing water on the branches BEFORE you decorate the tree will help retain freshness Be ne sure that the base of the tree is well well supported supported and the tree Is placed away from fireplaces radiators electric heaters televisions or any other source of heat The longer the tree is Indoors the more combustible it will become Check electric light cords for frayed or worn spots that co could dI lead ea easily lIy to r f fires Also do not overload the electric circuits and avoid placing electric toys directly under the tree Keep a fire extinguisher handy |