Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/advice.html#christmas

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees   

    All of the Christmas trees at Johnson's were grown on a tree farm to
be enjoyed by a family at Christmas. They were not cut from a forest but
were planted on farmland as a crop. Throughout its growing years it
cleansed the air, provided oxygen, protected the water supply, and made
a home for wildlife. It also beautified land that was previously barren.
When each was harvested, another was planted in its place to continue
the cycle.

    At Johnson's, we want you to enjoy your tree as long as possible, so
we treat all our fresh Christmas greenery with Wilt-Pruf. This product
helps evergreens retain moisture. We also make a fresh cut on the bottom
of your tree to open up the porous base of the trunk. This allows the
tree to take up more water and stay fresh longer.

    After selecting the perfect Christmas tree at Johnson's, follow
these steps to keep your tree fresh:

    1. Cut 1 to 2" off the trunk as soon as you get home (if we haven't
already cut it for you) and put the tree trunk into water immediately.
Add 1 Tbsp. of TreeLife to 1 quart of water and mix well. TreeLife is
all natural and prevents the tree from sealing itself off at the cut, so
the tree can take up water longer.

    2. If the tree isn't going into the house right away, store it in a
cool, shady place--out of the wind. A garage would be ideal because the
water reservoir will not freeze.

    3. For extra protection--especially if your tree will be up for a
long time--spray again with Wilt-Pruf before bringing in the tree.

    4. Frozen trees should be thawed slowly overnight in a cool place.

    5. Find a place for your tree that is away from heater vents,
televisions and fireplaces.

    6. Once inside, check the water level daily and refill the stand
with TreeLife/water mixture. A tree will drink as much as a gallon of
water a day. Never let the reservoir run dry.

    7. Add 1/2 Tbsp. of Tree Moist to the stand reservoir and allow 2
hours to gel. Then you only need to check the water level every ten days
or so and add TreeLife and water as needed.

    8. Check to make sure that your Christmas lights do not have frayed
cords or cracked sockets.

    9. Turn off tree lights whenever leaving home and at night before
going to bed.

    10. Remove the tree from your house as soon as possible after the
holiday celebrations. We recommend using a Christmas Tree Bag. It's neat
and easy and keeps needles out of your carpet!

    11. Check dates and locations for "Treecycling."