SPOKANE, Wash. — For those who are on team “real-tree” for Christmas, it is important to find the perfect tree that can last through the holiday season and create the least amount of maintenance.
People looking to cut their own tree must purchase a Christmas tree permit before cutting down a tree for both Idaho and Washington. Depending on where you live, prices and places available differ.
Most Washington national forests will cost $5 per tree, and trees can be cut down until Dec. 24, according to the Washington Trails Association (WTA). WTA has a map to show the areas where permits apply.
There are also Tree Farms around Spokane that have plenty of Christmas trees.
Forever Green Tree Farm is located in St. Maries, Idaho and Plummer, Idaho. After choosing a tree, customers can chop down their tree or have a staff member cut it down. Prices are based on tree height and range from $20 to $113.
Crowell’s Land of Christmas is a well-known tree farm in Sandpoint, Idaho. With hot cocoa, candy canes, and hayrides, this tree farm can add to the experience. The Christmas tree farm’s history goes back more than a century and includes seven varieties of trees with varying heights.
Legacy Farm Christmas Trees is in Mead, Washington and has been selling trees since 2006. The family business offers a fun environment with scavenger hunts, hot cocoa, and photo ops. Those looking to purchase their tree here must make an online reservation.
Hutton Settlement Christmas Tree Farm allows people to purchase a tree and donate to give long-term alternative housing for children ages 5 to 18. People have from Nov. 26 to Dec. 17 to buy a tree. Customers can choose between U-cut Hutton trees for $35 or a pre-cut tree starting at $35. Fresh garland, poinsettias, and fresh wreaths will also be for sale.
Those looking for other options can visit Spokane Talk or Minneopa Orchards to find more options.
According to Business Insider, three things will make your Christmas tree last: fresh tree, fresh cut, and fresh water.
“That’s really the key in all of this, is to get a tree that’s fresh,” Bert Cregg, a professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, told Business Insider.
An easy way to know if a tree is fresh is by gently running your hand over a branch. If the needles do not fall off, then the tree is fresh.
Experts say to saw off about an inch from the bottom of the trunk before putting it in its stand; this equips the tree with easy access to take up water.
Just like any plant, your Christmas tree will need fresh water. According to Business Insider, the stand should hold a quart of water for every inch of diameter of the trunk where the cut is.
Place your tree at a safe distance from any heat sources. Not only will this stop needles from drying out too quickly, but it can prevent fire emergencies. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 25% of Christmas tree fires occur due to heat sources too close to the tree.
Giving your thirsty tree plenty of water will keep it in the holiday spirits for the Christmas season.
