For Christmas tree farmers, it’s the busiest time of the year. And for Dave Rogers at Swan’s Quality Christmas Trees, that’s just how he likes it.
“No one’s ever upset about coming to the Christmas tree lot. That’s why I love working it,” he said.
Dave has some tips he says will make your tree work for you. If you want to hang heavy ornaments, he says go with the Frasier fir.
“I would say our Frasier fir is our premium tree. The needles look a little bit stronger, a little more dense, and the branches are a lot stronger for the heavier ornaments,” Dave said.
Or if you’re just looking for that holiday feel, Dave says balsams smell better, but the branches aren’t as strong.
Once you get your tree home, you need to be sure to take care of it.
“Always keep them watered because if they run out of water then the sap will harden in the bottom, and they won’t take any water and then they’ll die quicker,” Dave explained.
He says keep an eye on the branches and make sure they still bend and that the tree isn’t losing too many needles.
If your tree does start to die, it could become a fire hazard.
“Just keep heat sources away from them. Space heaters, vents, fireplaces, anything like that. I know the trees look great next to the fireplace, but it’s terrible for them,” Dave said.
He says lights aren’t a heat problem, but make sure they are in good working order, or they could start a fire.
If you follow all these steps, Dave says your tree could last you up to two months.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.
