Many people debate using a fresh cut tree verses an artificial one. For those uncertain, the following information should be considered. Artificail advocates lay claim that using a cut tree diminishes natural resources and contributes to the deforrestation of the planet. This couldn't be more converse to the truth! Unlike years ago, the fresh cut Christmas trees of today are grown on farms. Crops are staged and rotated, so that the annual supply can be provided. Tree farms provide natural refuge for birds and wildlife. As long as fresh cut trees remain popular, we can assure constant if not increasing replentishment of these resources. In fact, tree farming may well be our best current resource for reforrestation of the planet! And, of course, artificial trees are manufactured of solely limited resources that cannot possibly be replentished. They provide no direct or indirect benefit to the environment. Lastly, of course only a real tree can add that pleasant natural smell that helps embelish the holidays!

Mostly fragrant evergreens with short, soft needles with excellent retention and reliably strait trunks.

(Abies balsamea) This is the old-fashioned American classic. It is native to most parts of North America.

*Soft, short needles, medium to dark green.
*Open filtered habit (making it easy to decorate.)
*Sweetly piney fragrance.
*Moderately strong branches with softer tips.
*Telly's are Michigan grown!

(Abies fraseri) Recently and decidedly the tree of choice! Native to rocky, mountainous regions of south-east North America.

(Abies procera) People relocating from the west coast and southwest are accustomed to this tree. Native to the Pacific Northwest.

*Soft but firm short needles, slightly curved and clustered, silver green.
*Dense layered habit.
*Mild, somewhat spicy fragrance
*Very strong branches.
*Very good needle retention.

(Abies grandis) Relatively little known selection with strong market potential. Native to the Pacific Northwest.

*Soft, short dark green needles.
*Dense layered habit.
*Sweet, distinctively citrusy scent.
*Outstanding needle retention.
*Moderately strong branches.

(Abies concolor) Also called White Fir. A softer alternative to Spruce, native to the west coast of Mexico and the U.S.

*Soft, but firm, short needles, slightly curved. Silvery blue in color.
*Dense habit.
*Citrusy fragrance, slightly spicy.
*Moderately strong branches.
*Excellent needle retention.

(Pseudotsuga menziesii) Not actually a fir at all. Direct translation would be false Hemlock. Native to the Rocky Mountains.

*Very soft, light green needles.
*Shaggy habit.
*Sweet, somewhat citrusy fragrance.
*Soft branches.
*Good needle retention.
*Telly's are grown in Clare County, Michigan

Variably less than straight trunks. Quicker growing than other choices making for a cheaper alternative.

(Pinus syulvestris) Until recently, the most popular choice in the midwest. Native to North America, Europe and Asia.

*Slightly stiff, sharp twisted needles generally medium in lenght, but somewhat variable.
*Painted green with fire-retardant paint, due to their yellow winter color. (Cut Scotch Pines that are green but not painted were assuredly cut many weeks in advance of the season.)
*Strong piney fragrance.
*Slightly shaggy but manicured shape.
*Moderately strong to slightly limber branches.
*Fair needle retention.
*Telly's are grown in Clare County, Michigan

(Pinus strobus) Our state Tree! Native to eastern North America and the Midwest.

*Very fine, very soft long needles, whitish-green in color.
*Shaggy habit.
*Piney fragrance.
*Very soft branches (best for light ornaments.)
*Very good needle retention.
*Telly's are grown in Clare County, Michigan

By far, the traditional European tree of choice. Reliably, straight trunks, strong branches, and picture perfect shape.

(Picea pungens) Native to the Southwestern U.S. but naturalized across the northern states and Europe.

*Very sharp and stiff needles varying in color from green to blue.
*consistant shape, full if sheared, very layered if not.
*A fragrance which is distinct, and unique to spruce.
*Very strong branches (the best for heavy ornaments).
*Moderately strong to slightly limber branches.
*Shortest needle retention (two or three weeks indoors maximum).
*Telly's are grown in Clare County, Michigan

Telly's will give your tree a 'fresh cut'. If you won't be bringing the tree indoors right away it should be stood in a bucket of warm water. Cut trees need a constant supply of water and should never be allowed to run dry. Warm water is easier for the tree to take in. Of course, once the tree is placed indoors it should be given a fresh supply of water and monitored daily.

Additives to the water to help prolong the life of the tree can be used. Sugar, soda-pop, or syrup should NOT be used, as these promote the growth of molds and fungi which can interfere with the tree's ability to take on water. Commercial additives are available, but it is best to use 1 to 2 Tablespoons bleach to each gallon of warm water. Bleach will help prevent the formation of molds and fungi, but should be used with caution if small children or pets are present.

Trees should be kept away from drafty areas or sources of heat, as this will shorten their life indoors. Minimizing the use of lights will also extend the life of the tree.