Christmas Trees Farm
| 1. |
Who were first known to
use decorated trees for a celebration? Ancient
Romans during their winter festival |
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| 2. |
When did Christmas trees
first appear in the United States and who introduced
them? Hessian soldiers in 1776 |
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| 3. |
What decorations were
used during the early 1800's? Christmas
tree decorations that were used in the 1800's
were fruits, nuts, popcorn, cranberries, pastries,
sugar lumps, candy and candles. |
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| 4. |
Where was the first glass
ornament used and what was it called? The
first ornament appeared in Germany in 1848 and
it was called a kugel. |
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| 5. |
When was the glass ornament
introduced in the United States? 1880
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| 6. |
Who was the first person
to decorate a tree with a strand of electric lights?
Thomas Edison's assistant, Edward Johnson
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| 7. |
When was the first tree
erected by the community of Washington D.C.? December
1913 |
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| 8. |
When was the first National
Christmas Tree erected at the White House? November
1923 |
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| 9. |
Where was the first Christmas
Tree Market and how much did the trees cost? 1851
in New York City, cost from a nickel to a quarter |
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| 10. |
Where and when was the
first Christmas tree farm begun? The first
christmas tree farm began in Trenton, New Jersey
in 1901. |
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| 11. |
Where do farmers find
the seeds to plant Christmas trees? cones
from seed trees |
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| 12. |
How long do seedlings
grow in beds before planting in fields?
two or more years |
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| 13. |
How long do trees grow
in the fields before harvesting? 8 to
12 years |
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| 14. |
What are two things farmers
do during the summer months to help their trees
grow? fertilize and weed |
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| 15. |
How do trees get their
beautiful shape? Tree farmers shear the
trees with shearing knives.
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| 16. |
Why does the tree farmer
use a baler when harvesting trees? To
keep the trees fresh, makes them easier to handle
and protects the branches |
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| 17. |
What state produces the
most Christmas trees? Oregon |
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| 18. |
What types of trees are
the best sellers? Scotch Pine, Douglas
Fir, Frasier Fir, Noble Fir, Virginia Pine, Balsam
Fir, and White Pine |
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| 19. |
How many new trees are
planted each year? 56 million new trees
and a total of 77 million trees are planted
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| 20. |
What percent of Christmas
trees are recycled? 59% |
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There were more than 17,000 Christmas tree growers
in the United States.
 Christmas
trees are grown in all 50 States including Hawaii and
Alaska and take 7-10 years to mature. The best-selling
varieties are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser
fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir, and white pine.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association,
nearly 31 percent of households displayed a real Christmas
tree, while 49 percent displayed an artificial tree.
Twenty-one percent had no tree. Two percent said they
had both a real tree and an artificial tree.
How To Buy A Christmas Tree
Buy a fresh Christmas tree. Pull on the branches to
check for loose needles. If the needles are already
falling off, the tree is too dry and should not be purchased.
You should be able to roll the needles into a ball that
will spring back once they are released.
Once a tree is selected, leave it outside until it
is time to decorate it. It is a good idea to trim at
least a one-inch piece from the bottom of the tree after
purchase. This increases the tree's ability to absorb
water. Be sure the tree is securely fastened in a sturdy
holder filled with water for about 24 hours.
During the period of time that your tree is indoors,
water it regularly. Do not locate the tree in an area
where it will be subjected to intense heat, such as
near a wood stove or heater. Be careful not to block
exit paths and doorways with the tree.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
- Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor
lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor
use. Make sure your lights carry certification from
a testing laboratory.
- Don't use electric lights on a metal tree.
- Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or
broken. Christmas lights are cheap.
- Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or
go to bed.
- Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles.
To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a
branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles
should fall off.
- Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water,
and don't let it run out.
- If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand
more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Of if
your tree stand is cheap, buy a larger, stronger one.
- If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is
fire-retardant.
- Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces,
radiators and fireplaces. Try to position it near
an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
- When Christmas is over or when the tree starts
to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in
your house or put it in your garage.
- Keep a close eye on small children when they are
around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments
are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.
- When you are entertaining guests in your home who
smoke, provide large ash trays and check for cigarettes
in upholstered furniture before going to bed. Cigarette
fires are still the leading cause of fire fatalities
in the home.
- Christmas lights whether they are indoor or outdoor
should always be turned off when no one is home or
whenever everyone has retired for the evening.
- Never use candles or any open flame device on Christmas
trees.
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