Fraser Fir is considered the Cadillac of Christmas trees. Frasers hold their needles the longest (3-4 weeks) and tend to have a narrow base. Coloring of the needles makes it appear that each branch is a soft green on the top with a bluish cast from the bottom. Branches are strong with good spacing. Trunks tend to be very straight. Good fragrance.

Balsam Fir has a more open branching habit and a medium to dark green overall color. The needles are short and the branches are strong. Needle retention is fair (2-3 weeks). Trunks are usually straight. Aromatic.

Douglas and Noble Firs have soft needles. The needles are about an inch long and a rich green. Douglas has a wonderful fragrance and average needle retention (2-3 weeks). Noble firs are full, elegant trees. Neither of these varieties is commonly sold in our area because they tend to be damaged by our extreme cold weather.

Scotch Pine is the most economical of all the cut trees. It has long (about 2") needles on stiff branches. Scotch pines naturally discolor during the winter, they are painted green late in the season. Branching is heavy, almost completely filling the shape. Before they are cut, Scotch pines have shed all their inner needles and need to be shaken out before they are brought indoors. They have average needle retention (2-3 weeks) during the Christmas season, but the needles get sharp as they dry out. Scotch pines are notorious for crooked trunks, but usually have even shapes. Fair fragrance.

White Pine has very long, soft needles (3+ inches) and very flexible branches. White pine has average needle retention (2-3 weeks) and a good shape. Because the branches are flexible, white pine won’t hold heavy ornaments. Trunks are usually straight. Good fragrance.

Norway Pine has very long, stiff needles (4-6 inches) and widely spaced branching. Because of the length of the needles and branching, it is most suitable for large areas. Needle retention is average (2-3 weeks) and the tree is very aromatic. Trunks are usually straight.

Care of Fresh Cut Trees
•When you bring a cut tree indoors, allow it a day to thaw/warm so that it will be more flexible. It is essential that fresh trees be kept in a water stand.

•Just before putting the tree in the water stand, make a fresh cut on the bottom of the trunk. Evergreens ooze a sticky sap that seals the base within an hour or two unless it is kept wet. When filling the stand use very warm (not boiling) water.

•Closely monitor the water level in the stand, especially the first day or two. When trees are first indoors and a fresh cut has been made, they can take up as much as a gallon of water a day.
•Display the trees away from sources or heat or drafts.

Bachman's offers a variety of extra services and products for Christmas trees.
We do not provide these services for trees we did not sell.

The Extras
Needlefast is spray that seals the moisture in the needles of the trees and wreaths. The product most often used for this purpose is an anti-transpirant called Wilt-Prufä. It is important that it is applied and allowed to dry at temperatures no lower than 40º. Using needlefast does not mean you don't need a water stand. It dries clear on the tree and leaves a slight shine. Green Paint can be applied to trees to insure an even color that will hold throughout the season. Flame Retardant is a liquid that can be sprayed on fresh cut trees to minimize the risk of fire. To be effective, it must be thoroughly sprayed (to the point of it dripping off of all the branches and needles) and allowed to dry in a warm place. Flame Retardant does not replace the need for a water stand and is not effective on trees that have already begun to dry out. It dries clear on the tree.

Wiring:  In order to keep branches from sagging with the weight of flock or ornaments, tree branches can be wired to each other and the trunk for support. When done properly, wiring is seldom noticed. Trees that we flock have been wired as needed before flocking.

Flocking is a cellulose product that is applied by a machine that sprays both a mist of water and a dusting of flock at the same time, binding it to the needles as it dries. Flocking also acts as a flame retardant. Flocking does not replace the need for a water stand. Bachman's does not flock (or re-flock) artificial trees.

Placing Trees in Stands We will install trees in stands. Prices are based on the size of the tree and whether or not it is our stand or the customer's.

Rental Stands: A limited number of extra-heavy duty rental stands are available for large trees (10 ft. and up). These stands are rented to the customer and a deposit is required.

Specialty Holiday Greens
Bachman's has available a variety of pre-packaged specialty greens.
The selection usually includes holly, white pine tips, western cedar, silver fir, noble fir and berry juniper. Depending on availability, we also try to offer shore pine, angel pine and boxwood and mistletoe. Please note that most of these greens do not winter well outdoors in our climate, often losing their foliage if they get too cold. Keep in mind that several of these plants are poisonous including mistletoe and ivy.

Spruce Tree Tops
Spruce tree tops are a very popular item used for holiday and winter decorations outdoors. They are from a specific type of spruce that grows in boggy, acid soil. The crop will regenerate. Harvesting of the "tree tops" is closely regulated to insure the eco-system is not damaged. A copy of the info sheet on making the most of tree tops is available at the Information Desk.

Balled and Burlapped Trees
Occasionally, there will be an article in the paper or a magazine encouraging people to use live, balled and burlapped evergreens for Christmas trees, to be planted out afterward. This really is not practical in our climate, no matter what the articles say. Even in ideal circumstances where the winters are much milder, the trees are dormant when they are taken in the home and can only be kept in at warm temperatures for several days before breaking dormancy, making them doomed

© Bachmans 2008