Our culture often determines how a Christmas tree should
look. In Europe the tree branches are very open, with 8
to 12" between branches so that ornaments can be
interspersed between the inside of the branches as well
as outside. In the U.S., a very dense tree where the
trunk is never visible is always the winner at tree
judging contests. These are the same ones placed in
Capitols and State House buildings. How is density
achieved? A conifer tree growing in the wild with good
soil fertility will be quite open or have low foliage
density. This is because the new shoots that develop
from the buds can become 12 to 30" long. Christmas tree
growers use a method called "shearing" to reduce the
growth and allow the tree to "fill in" or grow denser
with foliage. The goal that I strive for is medium
density, some being a little more dense, some a little
less. In many ways trees are like people, they differ in
shape, size, and color. I have found it best to shear
each tree as an individual based on its inherent
characteristics.
I have many reasons why I like medium density foliage
over high density. First, I regard the tree as an art
form to display ornaments. The ornaments reflect the
family's cultural and religious heritage. Whether they
be made by the children at school, inherited from past
generations, scenes of the season, or crafted by others,
they each have some significance and/or meaning and
bring joy to our hearts. In my opinion, these ornaments
look best when hanging down vertically from a branch and
not laying on the side of the tree at an angle. There
also needs to be room for the lights. (My father taught
me to put the lights on first and inside the branches a
little so that the wires are hidden and there is room
for ornaments on the outside.) Another advantage of
medium density foliage over high density is weight. A
high density Scotch Pine is more difficult to handle.
Third, there tends to be fewer dead needles hidden
inside the tree waiting to drop on your carpet.
So here are the things that I believe define beauty for
a Christmas tree:
Even density throughout the tree - whether
light, medium, or high.
A taper range of 40 degrees to 90 degrees.
Symmetry of the branches from the leader to the
skirt; not lop-sided.
At least three good sides.
Tips of the branches that are evenly ruffled,
not showing a straight line edge left from a
shearing tool; a natural look.
An even shade of green coloring throughout the
tree; no yellowing.
Making Memories Christmas Trees -
5216 E. 600 South, Lafayette, IN 47909 - (765)-296-2521
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