Their Leaves Should be So Unchanging
By Tracy Rolling

Vickie and Fred Christian are available to help people select one of the holiday's main attractions: Your Christmas tree. Photo by Tracy Rolling

"Not only green when summer's here, but also when 'tis cold and clear," so the popular German Folk Melody says. But how can you really keep your Christmas tree green when it is relocated from the farm to your home?

Vickie and Fred Christian of Pine Tree Acres in Ramona offer valuable information for keeping your holiday main attraction lush, green and the envy of all ornaments.

The first suggestion the Christians make is to choose wisely and water generously.

There is a huge variation of tree species available, but not all are grown locally. Pines are prevalent in our region because they thrive in a warm, year-round climate. Imported trees come from cooler climates and become dormant at the first sign of winter.

"Some of the heartiest trees are the fresh cut Monterey Pines and the Noble Firs," says Fred, who recommends watering twice a day.

Jude Giolitto, 5, helps one of the staff at Pine Tree Acres carry the family's choice of tree. Jude was shopping with his parents, Joe and Melanie, and sister Veronica, 3, all from Sabre Springs.

Other varieties include Cedar, Aleppo, Canary Island, Grand Fir, Norman, Douglas and Fraser to name a few.

Fred explains an essential component to keeping a tree vibrant is to make a fresh cut within 20 minutes prior to placing the tree in water. The trees secrete a resin referred to as "pitch." This by-product seals over the base of trunk and waterproofs the tree, thus dehydrating it.

Another ingredient for success is strategically placing your tree away from environmental elements that can dry and damage it. Keep your tree away from furnace vents, fireplaces and windows that receive direct sunlight.

Vickie says that many families have made wandering through the tree farm part of their holiday tradition. They pick a potted tree or reserve a planted tree by tagging it, purchasing it and returning a week before Christmas to cut it down.

The Failla children were tree shopping with mom, Katrina. From left, Jessica, 10, Joel, 2, Julia, 4, and Joshua, 7. Photos by Regina Elling

This process insures the freshest, most lively tree for the holidays and families who visit the property will enjoy hay rides, a spooky hay maze, hot apple cider, and games and prizes for children of all ages.

Other services on hand are netting and tree shaking, which is recommended to release loose needles, particles and dust.

Fred also mentioned that it is more environmentally friendly to purchase a live tree versus an artificial tree. Plastic trees use non-renewable resources, while living trees purify air, are replaced with seedlings year after year, and create mulch that can be used as a fertilizer.

The Christians have been farming trees for 20 years and pride themselves on customer service and superior tree care.

In fact, they have been so successful they have expanded their acreage numerous times.

The Christians invite you to stop by and see Pine Tree Acres at 620 Haverford Road, just off Highway 78 in Ramona. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through mid-December.