I apologize to anyone still waiting for the Christmas wish list post. It should be up tomorrow. Things have been very busy for me the past few days. I hope it will be worth your wait.

I’ll see you in the backyard.

Whether you cut your own or buy one pre cut, here are a few things to consider.

Height and width: Trees always seem smaller on the lot or in the field. It may be a good idea to bring a tape measure with you to be sure you are choosing the right size.

Measure the spot the tree will go before you get one. Any branches remaining if you have to remove them at home can be used in craft projects. But trees are priced by height. Buying a tree too tall could be an expensive way to gain a few greens.

Long needle or short needle: This is just a personal preference. I happen to like a tree with shorter needles.

Soft needle or sharp needle: Another personal preference, although many trees with sharp needles tend to have stronger branches. The stronger branches will hold heavier ornaments.

The most important factor I would consider is needle retention. The longer you want to keep a cut tree up the more important it is to have a tree with good needle retention. I have always had good luck with Concolor Fir. That is my Christmas tree of choice.

There are three varieties of trees grown in our area for use as a Christmas tree. Pine, Spruce and Fir.

Aside from the Norway Spruce, which holds needles for two to three weeks, any tree should be fine for three weeks. Frasier Fir, White Pine and Scotch Pine will hold their needles longer. They will hold for up to six weeks. This is a general guide and the trees must be watered regularly. A tree cannot go dry in the stand.

When bring your tree home use caution. If you plan on bringing it home on top of your vehicle you should always place it cut end forward. This prevents the wind from beating the branches. It is always helpful to have your tree baled if this is offered. It aids in bringing it home and more importantly, into the house.

If you are not putting the tree up immediately, a new cut should be made on the trunk. This opens up the tree to allow water to be drawn up. Once the cut is made you should put the tree in it’s stand or just place it in a bucket of water to keep it hydrated.

A good stand is very important. Choose one that holds a large quantity of water and offers ample support for the tree. Christmas tree farms often offer better stands than the stores do.

Please ask if you have any other questions. I will be happy to help in any way I can.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

The first tip I can suggest when working with live greens is to use small pieces. I hate to waste anything more than most people, but large pieces do not do a nice job. If a branch is large, use it for a larger project or add it to the compost pile after you cut it up into smaller pieces.

When making a live greens wreath it is best to add greens in small portions. Filling in a little at a time seems to make a fuller, fluffier wreath. Save some small pieces to use as filler at completion. I like to use 20 gauge craft wire. I can work with it without fear of it breaking.

Using a mixture of greens can really add new dimensions to a centerpiece. Boxwood, Yew, Juniper and Arborvitae are good choices. Pine, Spruce and Fir are other options. Do not forget to use floral foam with the live greens centerpieces. I always cut it in the size I need, put it where it is going and then water it in. It seems less messy that way.

Just be careful with the live greens around children and pets. They should not be accessible where they could be chewed on or swallowed.

Happy crafting.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

Things have been very busy for me the past few days. I want to take a moment to let everyone know what is coming up this week.

I will be posting the information regarding cutting a Christmas tree. I will also post tips on creating your own live greens decorations. A list of ideas for the gardener at Christmas will be coming as well. Putting the Christmas Wish List together has been fun. I hope you will enjoy it. I may even add a few new recipes if time permits.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I added a few photos of some of the wreaths and centerpieces I have begun making.
http://www.blogsmonroe.com/backyard/?page_id=42

Look for more photos soon. I will also be adding tips for anyone who might want to try making their own.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

Photos of the weight box were added to the post where I talked about building it.

http://www.blogsmonroe.com/backyard/?p=605

I’ll see you in the backyard!

Will anyone be cutting a live Christmas tree this year? Next weekend will begin the season. I will be posting some thoughts and tips in the next few days.

Do you have a favorite variety for a cut tree? Will you be cutting one for the first time?

Feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding a cut tree. I will try to answer them as well.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I had recently mentioned the weight box on my tractor. I wanted to share a little more information about it. You may decide you want to build your own.

The back of my tractor was just a piece of stamped metal with a hitch formed into it. The hitch was nearly useless for my needs. It was not large enough to put a ball hitch on the tractor and it kept everything very close to the rear wheels when turning.

I removed the rear metal/hitch of the tractor. It was held on by four bolts. I had a heavy gauge piece of metal (four feet long and one foot wide for my application) bent to form the sides of the weight box. The piece ended up being bent into a “u” shape with 18″ sides and 12″ across the bottom of the bend. This piece was put in place of the original panel. I clamped it in place and marked the holes from the tractor frame. The holes were drilled and I temporarily bolted it on the tractor. I added a cross support on the existing frame to keep the frame solid where the original back panel was. I do not think it was necessary but I would rather be safe.

When the weight box was still on the tractor I measured and marked for the hitches. I cut two identical pieces of angle stock. I drilled matching holes in both pieces of angle where it would secure to the weight box. I mounted the angles to the bottom and top of the weight box. The bottom has a small hole for a garden cart. The top hitch has a larger hole for a ball mount. By having the holes identical I can swap the hitches top and bottom or adjust the hitch height by using the protruding angle positioned high or low to adjust the heights.

After all that was completed I bolted pieces of angle iron on the inside of the box frame flush with the bottom. A piece of mesh steel (like what is used on utility trailer ramps) was placed on the bottom, resting on the angle iron. The mesh is longer than the box. I bent it at a right angle where it meets the back of the tractor. This protects the rear end end pump housing/ drive belt from damage. After everything was made I removed it and painted it.

After it was installed permanently I put a large bucket of salt in it for weight. Later I found small tractor weights that hang neatly off the side of the frame. The interior of the box was a wonderful place to add a second battery to aid cold weather starts. In the summer I remove the weights and the extra battery and it works well as a place to carry extra tools.

If I remember correctly, it only cost about fifty dollars out of pocket to build the box. I had some of the parts on hand. I only had to purchase the metal for the box frame and the mesh for the bottom. If I had to do it over I would have changed only a few things. I would have welded the angle to the box rather than bolt the bottom braces on for the mesh. The other thing I would have done is threaded the holes in the frame for the hitches rather than use a bolts and nuts. That would make it quicker to change the hitches. This is something I could still do by simply stepping up to a larger sized bolt.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions about this project.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

Photos

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I have harvested the greens and now I can begin working with them. The greens were hauled home in large pieces. I start by simply cutting the branches from the trunk. This makes them easier to handle. From there I cut the branches into manageable sizes.

It is difficult to work with boughs that are of large diameter. I try to use smaller diameter material unless crafting something very large. The boughs are cut into workable lengths, which is usually twelve inches or less. After I cut them to size I put them in large containers which I will then work out of while crafting. The largest branches are just stripped clean of greenery if I have no other use for them. These smaller pieces work well as filler in wreaths and also in centerpieces. These pieces will go in a separate container.

I will begin putting wreaths together today or tomorrow. Stay tuned for more hints regarding construction of wreaths and other holiday items.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

Bring on the snow! Well, I suppose it can wait a while. I am ready for it all the same. My tractor has a rebuilt carburetor and a complete tuneup.

I attached the snowblower and put on the tire chains. The extra weight has been put in my home made weight box. I am sure I am as ready as I can be.

In a few days I may post some more information regarding the repairs that were completed. I may also add some details on the weight box. I am very proud of how well it looks and worked last winter. It has actually been mistaken for a factory addition. I’m also considering adding a larger battery to the tractor for those very cold mornings. I’ll keep you posted.

I’ll see you in the backyard!