For many, the Christmas season isn’t complete without the scent of a real evergreen. Jeff Aissen, a third-generation Christmas tree farmer at Aissen Tree Farm in Kewaunee County, has essential tips on how to keep that perfect holiday centerpiece vibrant throughout the season.
The process of caring for a tree starts before you even bring it into your living room. Aissen recommends taking precautions with the tree’s storage and preparation.
First, if you aren’t putting the tree up right away, do not store it on the south side of your home or on concrete, he advises.
“Put it up either on the outside of the North wall or inside of the North wall, so the sun does not affect it,” Aissen says. “And don’t lay it on the concrete. The calcium in the concrete will actually suck moisture out of the needles as it lies on the concrete.”
Once you bring the tree inside, the most critical step is ensuring it can absorb water. Before placing the tree in its stand, cut off another half-inch from the base. The initial cut seals itself with pitch to preserve moisture, and the fresh cut reopens the pores for water intake, Aissen explains.
A fresh tree can drink a gallon or two of water on the first day, he adds.
“We tell people you water it in the morning, water it at noon, water it at night, and just before you go to bed,” he notes. “The first two nights, make sure it’s topped off because by morning it could consume a lot of water.”
Keep your tree away from heat registers or large, south-facing windows. Direct heat and sun exposure will dry out the tree quickly, leading to premature needle drop.
Aissen Tree Farm, a “choose and cut” operation, grows several varieties, including Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Black Hill Spruce. The Fraser Fir is popular for its strong branches and excellent needle retention, though it has a lighter fragrance. The Balsam Fir is the largest volume seller and is prized for its strong scent.
Growing a Christmas tree is a commitment, taking about 10 years to reach a marketable height. In the full conversation with Mid-West Farm Report’s Stephanie Hoff, Aissen emphasizes the ongoing work involved, from planting and fertilizing to shaping and pest control, which is necessary long before the Thanksgiving weekend rush, their busiest time of the year.
We’re introducing you to these destinations courtesy of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. WATA is increasing the demand for and sales of specialty crops and agricultural tourism experiences through the ‘Wisconsin, America’s Agricultural Tourism Destination’ campaign. Learn more at https://gowiagtourism.com/
