Make Your Christmas Tree the Focal Spot

Ferocious is the best word to describe this week’s storms! Ice on trees and heavy winds snapped limbs and made a mess of most landscapes. But we must keep in mind that moisture is good for every landscape, and that snow is the best form of moisture. We also must be aware that heavy snow and strong winds can cause damage to all evergreens.

Especially treacherous is snow that loads up on evergreens until the branches bend to the ground. Actually, a really heavy build up of snow can bring an entire tree to the ground. When heavy snow threatens, use a broom to sweep excess snow off branches before that night’s cold temperatures. This simple precaution will maintain the shape of the tree and prevent damage. Stake trees with lodge poles and a V-Strap to prevent injury from future storms and to keep trees upright.

Now let’s talk fresh wreaths, garlands, and cut trees. Freshness is not only the key to seasonal safety, but it also increases fragrance and extends the lives of cut greens. A great new spray that extends freshness is “Wilt Stop”. This all-natural pine product coats the needles so they won’t dry out so fast, gives the foliage a vibrant shiny look, and really makes your cut pines and firs last through the holiday season. Although this is especially important for wreaths and garlands, I just sprayed my Christmas tree this week! I want to be sure that it will retain a fresh appearance through the first of 2010.

Each year, 33 million Americans lug home cut Christmas trees. The unfortunate truth is that often the trees end up not looking right in the rooms where they will be displayed. Here are things to consider so your Christmas tree will make its best possible appearance in your home.

For Smaller Spaces
Choose a live tree and nature will lend a helping hand. Because the north side of a tree is usually the least full, it is the perfect side to be placed against the wall, which will shrink your tree’s footprint. Artificial trees are available in assorted silhouettes so purchase a small diameter tree to fit comfortably in a small room. If necessary, move a cabinet or occasional table into another room to create the perfect space for the tree. Especially convenient are half trees for really confined areas.

For Larger Spaces
Float a full tree in the center of a room. This is especially effective in a rectangular space. With a seating area at each end of the room facing the tree, it will become the centerpiece of your home for the holidays.

For Special Spaces
Do you have a large foyer? Place a tree front and center to be enjoyed by all as they enter your home. Do you have an interesting ceiling line? Place your tree under the highest point of the ceiling. Do you have a lovely, wide archway between your living and dining rooms? By placing your tree under this arch it will lend ornamentation to both rooms. Don't forget the beauty of a tree standing in front of a window, especially a window of exceptional height or architectural appeal, such as a Palladian window.

For Outside Spaces
Add a tree to your porch or patio and lace it with strands of twinkling lights. For very small apartments a balcony tree can deliver the desired Christmas spirit without consuming any indoor floor space!
For No Space at All
If a tree absolutely will not fit in your house, consider the large live or artificial spheres of greenery, known as kissing balls. Hang one or more from the ceiling and decorate with your favorite ornaments. You might even hire an electrician to remove your overhead fixture for the season, and use that electrical source to light up the kissing ball(s). Wow!

Double Your Pleasure
Are you ready for two trees? In a central location of your home maintain your traditional tree. Then add a small second tree on a tabletop, perhaps in a separate room. Regardless of its size decorate the second tree with ornaments that have commonality of color, period, or theme.

Make Room for Gifts
Build a 1- to 2-foot-tall wooden base for your tree. A shorter tree can then fill a tall space while eliminating the need to prune off some of the bottom branches. Elevating the tree creates more space for presents under the bottom limbs. Enhance your chosen color palette by coordinating wrapping paper designs to embellish your presents.
Decorations, Decorations

Place inexpensive balls and bows nearest the trunk and on any ‘hidden’ side of your tree. Save your most spectacular and special ornaments for the sides that will be most readily viewed.

Stop by the garden center this week and I'll pour you a cup of Aspen mulling spiced hot cider, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Bring the kids and let them play in Santa's Christmas tree forest, take in all the animation, and enjoy all the fragrances of this glorious season.

Until next week, I'll see you at the garden center and in the Christmas shop.

Throughout the week Ken Lain is at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Road, Prescott, and can be contacted through his web site at www.wattersonline.com. Ken says, "My personal mission is to help local homeowners garden better in our mountain landscapes."