Finding the perfect tree

Many remember Charlie Brown and his quest for the perfect Christmas tree, well finding the perfect Christmas tree this holiday season could be a lot easier than you may have thought.

According to some tree sellers this years crop of trees from North Carolina are much bigger, and less expensive.

“This year’s trees are huge,” said Dennis Hibbs, who is managing the Christmas Tree lot in front of Big Lots on Highway 90 in the Parkmore Plaza. “The trees are much bigger and we are cutting them to size.

“If you are going to get a live tree this would be the ideal year since you will get more tree for your money.”

The most interesting part is what people look for in a tree.

There is a whole host of adjectives people look for in a tree when it comes tall, short, skinny, fat, bushy, piney, and the list can go on and on.

“I wanted a big and fat tree,” said Grace Miller, who was looking for a tree in Milton on Wednesday. “For me this tree was love at first sight.”

Some people even have their own Christmas Tree recipe to help maintain that special fresh and green tree throughout the holidays.

WXBM Radio Personalities Marty and Lindsey have their own special recipe:

2 quarters of water

1 cup of corn syrup

2 tablespoons of bleach

You are to add daily or as needed to help keep your Christmas tree fresh for the holidays.

Live Christmas Tree Care Tips

Information from www.about.com

• Refresh the tree by making a straight cut, taking one inch off the butt and immediately place in water. This will improve water uptake.
• Place the tree in a stand that can hold at least 1 gallon of water. You should expect the tree to take up additional water. Water the new tree until water uptake stops.
• Always keep the base of a tree in water. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. You don't need anything other than regular tap water - drying out deters future water uptake and will need a new cut. Commercially prepared mixes like aspirin, sugar and other additives introduce into the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh.
• Check for worn Christmas tree light electrical cords and always unplug at night. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Using miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree or any chance of fire.
• Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for (using the first five steps) should last at least five weeks before drying out. Some species keep their moisture longer that others.
• Cutting a refresh cookie off the tree base is important only when trees have been cut for over 4 hours.
• For easier watering, buy a funnel and a 3 to 4 foot tube. Slip the tube over the funnel outlet, extend tubing down into the tree stand and water without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt. Hide this system in an out-of-the-way part of the tree.