Page 5 - TR What Women Want Nov 2016

O CHRISTMAS TREE BY SPENCER GRIFFIN / SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Things to consider before purchasing a
Height is one thing, but the circumference of the tree brings an entirely new variable into the equation. If you have little space, you may want to search for a more compact and narrow tree to display.
A fresh tree should have needles that don’t fall off easily. Trees will naturally shed needles
here and there, but a fresh tree should not have needles flying off from the beginning.
It is important to avoid placing the tree close to fire hazards in the home so you don’t see your holiday go up in flames.
The branches of a fresh Christmas tree should be a bit pliable. If the branches are extremely brittle, the tree is too dry.
Warning signs of a tree that lacks freshness include excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, a musty odor and wrinkled bark.
Make sure to choose a species of tree that will not aggravate family members’ allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, junipers and cedars can pollinate in the winter, leading to a higher likelihood of aggravating allergies.
✓ Testing a
Before netting or loading a tree to be transported, it is important that
you get a fresh, quality tree. To test a tree, you can use various methods.
the tree
The tree skirt will serve multiple purposes, including keeping fallen needles contained, providing a place for putting gifts and also adding a decorative accent piece to the tree.
Decide which type of lights you prefer. This could be LED lights, globe lights or bubble lights. Make sure you put plenty of lighting on the tree so that it looks full. For every foot- and-a-half of tree, 100 lights may provide the ideal lighting.
This is often an exciting step in the process to involve children in the family. Once again, you will want to stick to a color scheme or theme and get good coverage area with the ornaments.
Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to enjoy a festive holiday season with a beautiful Christmas tree as the centerpiece for the festivities.
Sunday, November 20, 2016 • An Advertising Supplement to the Three Rivers Edition • What Women Want • 5SS
Be sure to measure the height of the ceiling in the room in which you will display the tree. It is much easier to find the right size of tree than to have to trim it once it is brought into the house.
Caring for the
Take off at least 1 inch from the bottom trunk to open up the veins that will deliver water to the branches of the tree.
Christmas trees need plenty of wa-
ter to stay alive and healthy for the
holiday season. The tree will drink lots
of water for the first few days. Keep the tree watered, and don’t let the water level drop below the cut end, or the tree won’t be able to absorb water.