Faq's
Frequently Asked QuestionsChristmas trees
How can I make my tree last until Christmas?
Don’t buy too early, however, if it is your tradition to set the tree up right after Thanksgiving, here are some tips.
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- First, Consider your location. Your tree will last longer away from air drafts (ie. heat vents & cold air returns), fireplaces and other sources of drafts. Moisture is lost through the needles of the tree and the drier and hotter your house is, the faster the tree will dry. If you have vents near by or keep the house hotter you will need to watch the water closer.
- Keep the tree lying down until you are ready to put it up in the stand. Cut ½ – 1 inch off the bottom just before you stand it up. When in the stand, never let it stand without water in the bowl.
- Water, water, water. Always keep the level of water up above the cut of the tree. At first, if it is cold, your tree may not seem to drink up much. Once it warms, it will take up much more water. Keep an eye on it.
- No, you do NOT need to add anything to the water. There are a lot of rumors and claims out there that this or that are good additives to preserve your tree. First of all, Trees are not flowers. What works for keeping cut flowers longer, doesn’t do anything for trees. The National Christmas Tree association did a study of products and home remedies and found that the best thing for your tree is, water.
What Additives should I put in the water?
How long will my tree last?
What one smells the best?
Any tips on choosing a tree?
- First of all, consider where you’re putting the tree and measure your space (Height & width)
- At the lot, don’t be afraid to ask the seller when the tree was cut and what trees are the hardiest. If your seller can’t tell you, you may want to steer away from buying there.
- Take a branch and run your hand down it and make sure needles are not falling off excessively* (a few, ok). Needles should be secure to the branch.
- Check the needles of the tree. If they are soft, moist and have good color (not browning), they are fresh. Fir needles will snap when you bend them. Pine needles will bend.
- Also look into the branches. Trees dry out from the center out to the tips. If needles are browning and dry on the inside, it’s likely on it’s way out*.
- Make sure the tree’s size fits your space. Your seller should be able to measure the tree for you and cut it if need be. We are always happy to help.
(*Note: Do not confuse this with the shearing debris that does come with it. There are often dead needles lying in the branches from the shaping process. These are not an indicator of freshness. On our lot, we shake out the tree to get as many of these old needles out as we can but many remain).
When were these cut?
Which variety last longest?
Do I need to drill a hole in my tree trunk?
Why buy REAL trees?
- There are approximately 25-30 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.
- There are close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers. Christmas trees are a viable agricultural crop and livelihood for these farmers and their employees.
- There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.
- North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.
- Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees may contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.
- There are more than 4,000 local Christmas Tree recycling programs throughout the United States. Recycled trees are often mulched and then sold for garden and landscaping needs
- For every Real Christmas Tree harvested, 1 to 3 seedlings are planted the following spring.
- There are about 350,000 acres in production for growing Christmas Trees in the U.S.; much of it preserving green space.
- It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 – 7 feet) or as little as 4 years, but the average growing time is 7 years.
- The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.\
(Http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/Education/Quick-Tree-Facts)
Fireworks
Let’s start with the “Utah Legal” questions, since we are based here in Northern Utah.
What days can I LEGALLY set off fireworks in Utah?
The Utah Fire Marshal’s office lists the days and times on their website. Dates and times are subject to change. Use the following link to check dates and times for the current year. They will also have a link for any restrictions that my be in place in your area.
https://firemarshal.utah.gov/department-services/fireworks/
What fireworks are legal in Utah?
Multi shot Aerial Cakes with UP TO a 3 inch diameter shell (but not bigger)
Any firework sold at a licensed retail stand or store display that is not on the Prohibited list. Your retail should not have prohibited fireworks. WE do not. (so please don’t ask us.)
https://firemarshal.utah.gov/department-services/fireworks/
What fireworks are ILLEGAL in Utah?
- Firecrackers, Cannon cracker, Ground salute, M-80, Cherry bomb or similar explosives
- Skyrockets, Missile type rockets and similar rockets
- Single shot or Re-loadable Aerial shells
- Bottle rockets
- Roman Candles
- Rockets mounted on a wire or stick
- Sky lanterns are often restricted so check your specific area or just don’t use to be safe. We do not sell them at our stand. (The code is in the link below, section (c))
https://firemarshal.utah.gov/laws-rules/
Class C Prohibited 4-15-15
Sky Lanterns – Utah Code 15A-5-202.5
IN GENERAL, What make a good fireworks show?
(See the “Fireworks” tab for descriptions of firework types and effects)
Are family fireworks dangerous?
Note on Sparklers:
The most common injuries relating to fireworks are caused by the mishandling of Sparklers. A Sparkler rod remains extremely hot for some time after use. Teach children to always hold a Sparkler by its handle and at arms length away from themselves and other people. Keep a 5 gallon bucket of water handy and dump burned out sparklers immediately into the bucket.
Where are the best places to shoot fireworks?
Always check your local restrictions before you set up a firework display. Your retailer should be able to tell you what those restrictions are but if not, you can find the information on your local & state Fire Marshal’s website.
In general:
- Use in a wide open area away from buildings, vehicles and trees and bushes. Utah code states “Ignition of aerial fireworks shall be a minimum of 30 feet from any structure or vertical obstruction.” Including your audience.
- Only ignite fireworks on hard, flat and level surfaces to prevent tipping OR if you do not have this kind of surface, bring a 4×8 piece of plywood to use as a flat, level surface.
- For smaller and taller fireworks place bricks or blocks (like cinder-block) on either side to stabilize it. Occasionally the force of a discharge can knock a smaller firework over.
https://firemarshal.utah.gov/department-services/fireworks/ click on the link for “…restricted and non-restricted areas” and the find the link for YOUR area. This changes every year.
What should I use to light my fireworks?
Can fireworks go off without being lit?
In essence, the only way a firework can go off is if the fuse comes into direct contact with that source of ignition. Therefore, if you store and handle your fireworks according to the instructions, you won’t have to worry about a sudden explosion.