• Bring a piece of cardboard or knee cushion for gardening (useful for getting down on the ground to cut the tree).
• Bring gloves
• Don't feel rushed, so you can enjoy the day!
• Wear appropriate clothing - the farm is large and mostly unpaved and can take a great deal of time to explore. Appropriate clothing will make your time here more enjoyable!

Tips for Taking Care of Your Tree

Many trees are over 150 feet tall and pump hundreds of gallons of water a day! A tree in a Christmas tree stand does the same thing, drawing water up through its trunk. Put your tree in water as soon as possible. This will allow the tree to continue to absorb water.

If there is a delay in putting the tree in water, the pores on the bottom of the trunk can become clogged with sap. If necessary, you can make a fresh cut on the butt of the tree to open up the pores which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. The fresh-cut surface should be cream-white, not yellow or brown.

Keep a close eye on the level of water in your Christmas tree stand, and add water whenever it begins to get low. You'll be surprised at how much water it uses! An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.

Safety tips

• User smaller lights. Miniature lights produce much less heat and reduce the drying effect upon a tree.
• Check your lights for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets.
• Be sure to water daily! If the supply of water no longer allows the tree to absorb water, the ability of the tree to absorb water later is reduced.
• Always turn off the lights of your tree when leaving the house or retiring for the night.
• Keep your tree away from heat sources including the fireplace or heat system vents.
• Do not block doors or traffic areas with the tree or rearranged furniture.