Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program encourages residents to consider choosing a locally grown and cut Christmas Tree this year as you celebrate the holidays.Purchasing a local tree helps support our agriculture industry. For more information on where to purchase your tree locally, visit Chautauqua Grown, our local farm-to-table directory, at www.cce.cornell.edu/Chautauqua.

When choosing a tree, select a fresh tree that has springy branches, a strong scent, and doesn’t lose very many needles when shook. Avoid trees that have an off or pale color and choose ones that are a deep green or blue. Transport your tree safely and securely, and place it in a bucket of water once you reach your destination if it is going to be more than 12 hours before you’re able to display it in your stand.

When using a tree stand to support your tree, avoid removing any of the outer layers of wood when fitting into a stand. Removing outer layers will cause the tree to not uptake water efficiently – choose a tree stand large enough for your tree’s diameter. Select a location inside your home that is away from any heat or fire sources. Unless your tree was cut within 12 hours, make a new cut perpendicular to the stem and remove at least half an inch before placing it in the stand for optimal water uptake.

Caring for your locally grown tree is easy! The key is to maintain a high moisture level from the time it’s purchased to the time it’s taken out of your home. Choose a high volume water-holding stand, and ensure it is never empty. Trees will absorb water quickly and levels should be checked daily. A good rule-of-thumb is to provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter per day.

You may have seen some tree care products advertised that promise to keep your tree fresh for a longer time – however, there is no scientific evidence that these products work! The key to a fresh tree is a constant supply of water along with choosing a prime tree to work with. A well cared for tree can remain fresh for four weeks before drying and losing many needles.

Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with CCE-Chautauqua, encourages community members to shop local this holiday season. “Supporting our local farms is a great way to purchase quality goods and contribute to our local economy. For every $1 spent on local agricultural products, $2.29 is generated in the community. Shop local for not only Christmas Trees but also delicious food gifts, holiday meal supplies, and more.” For more information, contact Walley-Stoll by calling 716-664-9502 ext. 202 or kaw249@cornell.edu.

Chautauqua Grown is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua.