Written by BreeanneA on October 22nd, 2009
When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees:
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- Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
- Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don’t cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
- Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
- If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
- To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
- Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
- Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
- The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
- Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.
- Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
- Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
- Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
- Do not overload electrical circuits.
- Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
- Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
- Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
- Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Prepared by Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley
Edited by the Scientific Research Committee of the National Christmas Tree Association
Posted in Tree Care | No Responses »
Written by BreeanneA on October 22nd, 2009
Besides the thousands of Christmas trees at Green Acres, there are plenty of things to see that you wouldn’t see on a day-to-day basis.
Here are a few fun things you might see if you keep your eyes open….
An antique tractor used on farms back in the early 1900’s. It doesn’t have a motor because it was pulled behind a mule or horse! These tractors tilled the dirt and allowed farmers to plant new crops. John has restored it and given it a new coat of paint.
A unique duck pond. The pond is the home of all kinds of different fish, frogs, and other critters. Birds of all kinds love to make their home here. Eagles, ducks and woodpeckers especially love the cozy little pond.
The coolest Christmas horse in the Puyallup area! Jasmine is a friendly horse who loves attention and often roams up and down her 5 acre pasture. You may even find her wearing a Santa hat or antlers to get into the Christmas spirit.
If you like tractors, then you’ve come to the right place. We have two tractors of varying size that kids love to get close look at.
The hayride is a great way to see the whole Christmas tree farm on wheels. It’s a great experience that you wont want to miss.
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Written by BreeanneA on October 21st, 2009
Kids love to have a voice. Why not make priceless memories with your children at Green Acres Christmas tree farm? Kids love to put on thier boots and bundle up for the adventure ahead. With 10 acres of Christmas trees to choose from, kids feel like they are in the Toys “R” Us of Christmas trees! Running through the fields, enjoying the nature and spending time with family, kids can’t ask for anything better.
Kids love to cut down the family Christmas tree. Of course, with parent supervision. Parent’s can teach kids saw safety and tips while watching thier kids eyes light up with each cut of the saw. At Christmas kids can brag to their friends and family that they selected and cut down that beautiful tree in their living room.
Parent’s can also take this opportunity to teach their children about the different types of trees. We have many tree varieties on the property to make the task of identifying tress quite the adventure and of course, if parents need a refresher on the trees, we are more than happy to help. Kids can run through the property trying to distinguish the difference between douglas firs, apple trees, maple trees, grand firs, noble firs, and many more interesting and unique trees. Kids love to learn from their parents and passing on this valuable wisdom is so important.
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Written by BreeanneA on October 21st, 2009
Jasmine is one of the most friendly and well loved horses in Edgewood, Wa. She absolutely loves people and kids tend to fall in love with her. Although she doesn’t give rides during the winter season, she loves to be talked to and adored from her pasture.
Jasmine is a new addition to the Green Acres family. This will be Jasmine’s first year of “Christmas Tree Season” so come on by and say hello to her (She might even talk back). She is a beautiful four-year-old quarter horse, who is not only adored by John, his kids and grand kids, but has become quite popular to neighbors who like to walk along her pasture and feed her apples and other treats.
Come by and meet Jasmine. She might even be wearing a Santa Hat!
From Our Home to Yours,
The Green Acres Christmas Tree Family
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Written by BreeanneA on October 21st, 2009
Kids love the hayride! It makes a great Christmas card picture or simply a cherished memory kids will remember for years. We are happy to load up your kiddos and take them on a tour of the farm. The kids get a chance to ride behind a John Deere Tractor and given the perfect opportunity to find the perfect Christmas Tree for their family on wheels. The hayride goes around about 5acres of trees, by the duck pond and our friendly Christmas horse Jasmine.
Just ask our friendly staff to fire up the tractor and in no time your kids will be on a hayride adverture they won’t forget. Don’t miss out on this Christmas tradition. Kids feel special as they ride along and wave at family and friends. As always, our hayrides and other children activities are complimentary.
From Our Home to Yours,
The Green Acres Christmas Tree Farm Family
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Written by BreeanneA on October 21st, 2009
Here at Green Acres, we offer only the best Christmas trees. We keep our prices competitive and fair. Some trees take 5 to 8 years to grow and others, such as the Noble Fir, typically take 10 to 15 years to become a Christmas tree.
All Douglas Fir are $30 dollars.
These are the favorite in the Pacific Northwest. People love the traditional shape, sweet Christmas tree scent and the sturdy branches. The Douglas fir is a family favorite that will last at least 6 weeks with consistent water.
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Grand Fir prices vary by height. Trees our tagged with individual prices. Grand firs range from$40-65 dollars.
These are gorgeous trees that provide a strong Christmas tree fragrance. The needles are long and flat with a silver/blue color. The Grand Fir will stay green and fresh for at least 6 weeks with consistent water.
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Noble Fir prices vary by height. Noble Fir trees range from $50 and up depending on the height. These are
beautiful trees that provide strong branches, fragrant needles, and stay green for at least 8 weeks with consistent water.
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We like to make homemade fresh Christmas wreaths from our Noble Fir bows. The wreaths are a popular items so depending on availability we sell wreaths starting at $25 dollars. These make wonderful additions to your home and provide a one-of-a-kind Christmas scent that fills the whole house.
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Christmas Traditions
A Fun Family Experience
Unforgettable Memories
The Best and Freshest Christmas Trees
and Candy Canes for the Kids are always
complimentary.
From Our Home to Yours,
The Green Acres Christmas Tree Farm Family
Posted in Pricing | No Responses »
Written by BreeanneA on October 19th, 2009
Noble Fir
Noble Fir
Abies procera
It’s the champion of Christmas Trees. Short stiff branches spaced apart & covered with bluish -green needles that appear silver.
Needles generally grow upward leaving the underside of the branch exposed. Noble boughs are used to make beautiful wreaths. Keepability is excellent.
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Grand Fir
Grand Fir
Abies grandis
The grand fir is one of the tallest firs, reaching heights of 300 feet.
It is easily distinguished from other Pacific Northwest firs by its sprays of lustrous needles in two distinct rows that are usually horizontally spread so that both the upper and lower sides of the branches are clearly visible. The long needles provide a wonderful smell and if turned over appear silver.
The needles are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long with glossy, dark-green tops.
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Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas Fir
These are the traditional Christmas tree with it’s distinct sheared shape. These soft needles are dark green-blue in color and are approximately 1 – 1/4 inches in length.
The Douglas Fir needles radiate in all directions from the branch. When crushed, these needles have a sweet fragrance.
Nationally, it remains one of the most popular Christmas trees species.
Posted in Pick a Tree | No Responses »
Written by BreeanneA on October 19th, 2009
“]
Kids love these cookies! [photo by Taste of Home
18-36 Servings Prep: 1-1/2 hours Bake: 10 min. + cooling
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1-1/4 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Green gel or paste food coloring
- FROSTING:
- 4-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Green gel or paste food coloring
- Assorted decorating sprinkles and white edible glitter
Directions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
- Divide dough in half. Tint half of the dough green; knead well to distribute color evenly. Leave remaining dough white. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters with identical shapes, measuring 2-1/2 in., 3 in., 4 in. and 4-1/2 in. Cut out an even number of cookies with each size cookie cutter.
- Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately cut half of each size tree cookies in half from top to bottom. If tree cookie cutters have trunks, trim trunks off trees, creating a flat base. Remove to wire racks to cool.
- For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, water, meringue powder, vanilla and cream of tartar. Beat on high speed for 8-10 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Divide frosting in half. Tint half of the frosting green; leave remaining frosting white. Cover frosting with damp paper towels or plastic wrap between uses.
- To make four-sided garland trees (on top in photo at left): Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or resealable plastic bag; insert round pastry tip #5. Fill with green or white frosting to match the tree you are decorating. Pipe a line of frosting along the cut edge of one of the halved cookies (see Photo 1); press frosted edge along center of a matching whole cookie. Repeat. Let dry until firm.
- Stand up partially assembled trees. Attach one matching cookie half to the opposite side of the tree by piping frosting along the center of the whole cookie (see Photo 2). Let dry completely.
- Using another pastry or resealable plastic bag, medium star pastry tip #21 and either white or green frosting, pipe garlands around sides of trees. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let dry completely.
- To make fuller trees (top right and lower left in photo at left): Assemble trees as described for four-sided garland trees, using white or green cookies. Using matching colored frosting, attach four cookie halves, one size smaller than assembled tree cookies. Let trees dry completely. Decorate using either the garland or snow-tipped technique. Dry completely.
- To make snow-tipped trees (at lower left in photo at left): Assemble trees as described for fuller trees using green cookies. Using another pastry or resealable plastic bag, large round pastry tip #8 and white frosting, pipe snow on tips of branches. Sprinkle with edible glitter. Let dry completely.
- To make glazed trees (at lower right in photo at left): In a small bowl, thin 1 cup green frosting with 2-3 tablespoons water until frosting reaches pourable consistency. Place matching pairs of whole and halved cookies on a wire rack over waxed paper. Pour icing over cookies; spread with a metal spatula to completely cover top and sides of cookies. Let dry completely. Assemble, using garland tree method; let dry. Decorate as desired. Yield: 6 dozen cookies (or 18-36 cookie trees, depending on fullness of trees).
- Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 181 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 85 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.
Christmas Tree Cookies published in Country Woman Christmas Annual 2004, p51
Posted in Our Home to Yours | No Responses »
Written by BreeanneA on October 14th, 2009
Selecting the Christmas tree is always a family event. Most families have a favorite type of tree and everyone looks for a healthy, filled out tree with a nice shape. But what else beyond that? And which variety is the best value this year?
It varies depending upon the weather, which species where planted by the tree farms years ago, and your region of the country. In the Pacific Northwest, Noble, Douglas, Grand Firs and Frasier Firs are grown specifically for the use of Christmas trees. In places like Florida, Red Cedar, Virginia Pine, Sand Pine, Spruce Pine and Leyland Cypress are often the popular choices.
Tips on Selecting a Tree
1. Your needs
Determine where in your home you will display your tree. With this in mind, you will be able to tell what height tree you will need and whether all four sides of the tree must be suitable for display.
Height – It is a simple formula:
|
Item |
Example |
| Height = |
room height |
8 ft |
|
minus
|
tree toppers ornaments |
1 ft |
|
minus
|
height added by the tree stand |
0.5 ft |
|
minus
|
height of any base or table that you put under the stand |
0 |
|
plus
|
bottom of tree removed |
0.5 ft |
|
|
= |
| Equals |
height of tree to buy at the farm = |
7 ft |
Shape – Some prefer a slender tree, others want one which is larger and more bulky. It is nothing more than your personal preference!
2. Type / Variety of tree (species)
At Green Acres we offer Noble Firs, Grand Firs and Douglas Firs.
3. Examine the tree
Freshness is an important key if you are buying a precut (harvested, fresh-cut, etc.) tree. Of course, if you are cutting your own, or having it cut for you, you know it will be fresh!
- The needles should be resilient. Take hold of a branch about six inches from the tip, between your thumb and forefinger, then pull your hand toward you allowing the branch to slip through your fingers.
- The needles should adhere to the branch and not fall off in your hand. The needles should be flexible, not brittle. Run your finger down a branch – the needles should adhere to each twig. Bump the base end of the tree lightly against the ground to verify that the needles are firmly attached and to see if any outside needles fall off (inside needle loss in Pine trees is common every Fall and may lodge against the branches). If only a few drop off, the tree is fresh.
- The tree should have a good fragrance and an attractive good green color,
- fresh tree will retain its moisture content and thereby keep its fragrance and needles, if kept in a stand that has a good water – holding capacity.
- Limbs should be strong enough to hold ornaments and strings of lights
Posted in Pick a Tree | No Responses »
Written by BreeanneA on October 13th, 2009
Keys to a healthy tree and safe
- Water Daily!
- Always turn off the lights of your tree when leaving the house or retiring for the night.
- Never use lighted candles.
- Keep Away From Heat Sources.
- Be careful not to block a door with the tree or rearranged furniture.
- Do not attempt to repair a worn light set. Throw it away and buy a new set
Posted in Our Home to Yours | No Responses »
