Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/christmas.html

Christmas Tree Traditions & More
December 2003
Phil Beagley, Johnson's West 13th Nursery Manager and Kansas
    Certified Nursery Professional

    The tradition of picking out a Christmas tree is a fun and exciting
event for the whole family. At Johnson's, you can enjoy great
refreshments such as hot spiced apple cider or coffee while choosing the
perfect tree for your family. Johnson's offers three great varieties of
Christmas trees and a great selection of sizes, too.

    Unlike the Fraser Fir, the Concolor is a very open tree consisting
of longer needles that have a gray-blue color. The Concolor is a very
beautiful Christmas tree with its open, layered habit. Another great
feature of the Concolor is that it provides no worry about losing
needles through the holiday season. The Concolors keep their needles
long after the holiday has come and gone.

    The last, but certainly not least of the Christmas trees,is the
Balsam Fir. Like the popular Fraser, the Balsam Fir has a very full
branching habit that consists of short needles. Though the needles are
not as dark as the Fraser, the Balsam Fir is a very colorful tree. The
Balsam forms a nice pyramidal shape that makes a very traditional
looking Christmas tree. This is my favorite!

    When you buy your Christmas tree from Johnson's, we take the extra
steps needed to make sure your tree will stay as fresh as possible. We
start by hanging them (right side up!) underneath a sheltered lathe
area. This gives you an opportunity to look at the whole tree while it
keeps you and your family out of the harsh, cold wind! We also spray all
our trees with a product called Wilt-Pruf. Wilt-Pruf bonds to the
needles making them stay on longer than they would otherwise.

    After you have picked out your perfect Christmas tree, we will put
it through a tree netting machine that makes your tree easy to load up
and move into your house. While your Christmas tree is in the netting
machine, we'll give it a fresh cut so it will be able to take in the
water it needs to get through the season looking great.

    Don't forget about mixing Tree Life into your tree's water during
the season. It's very easy to use, just mix it in and water your tree.
The average Christmas tree usually takes four to six Tree Life packets
during the holiday season. Tree Life helps keep your Christmas tree
looking exactly like it did when it left our store!

    Also, don't forget about getting a Christmas tree bag for easy
disposal after you're done with your tree. You can put the bag
underneath the tree during the season and when you are done with it, all
you have to do is grab the bag and cover the tree.

    If you're in the market for a tree stand, we carry very strong and
easy to use stands that will last for seasons to come. And whether you
purchase a tree stand from us or you already have one, we will be very
happy to put it on your Johnson's tree at no charge.

    Stop by Johnson's for your fresh cut Christmas tree and let us go
the extra mile to make your Christmas the best it can be. We have a
great selection of beautiful trees that your whole family will love.
Happy Holidays!!