Tree talk - Christmas Trees - By Robert Fogg

‘Tis the season when just about everyone brings a tree inside to decorate for the holidays. Balsam Fir is the top choice here in Maine, although some people might go for a Scotch Pine or a Spruce. Balsam Fir gives off a heavy, woodsy scent that can’t be matched and it holds its needles longer than a spruce. Have you ever wondered why many so people practice the Christmas tree tradition this time of year? Where did it all begin? Some say it began in Germany during the eighth century when Saint Boniface cut an oak tree to stop a sacrifice. Later, a fir tree grew from the spot where the oak tree had been and so the old Saint proclaimed it a holy tree. Others say a fellow named Martin Luther started the tradition in the 16^th century by bringing a tree inside and lighting it with candles for his family, and he dedicated the tree to the birth of Christ. Apparently, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree in England during the 1800s. We will probably never know for sure where the Christmas tree tradition began, but we will continue the tradition just the same. Please be safe this holiday season and keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Try to keep the tree in water at all times and take it out before it gets too dry. Never allow any open flame around your tree and remember to turn the lights off any time the tree will be left unattended. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas Season. Thank you.
 

Robert Fogg is from Q-Team Tree Service in Naples and is also a licensed Arborist.