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PAGE 12 - SEC. 2 - SUPPLEMENT TO McHENRY PLAINDEALER - NOV. 25,1975 Tree farms produce a \perfect9 Christmas tree Christmas expectations always include a "perfect" tree--stately, well-shaped, full-branched, fragrant. And, we imagine it will have grown to perfection deep in a quiet forest. Not so, say forestry experts. The ideal Christmas tree seldom, if ever, exists in nature, according to the American Forest Institute. Virtually all the 35 million evergreens used annually in American homes are raised -- and carefully groomed for appropriate appearance -- on special Christmas tree plantations. Five favorites There are about 40 vari­ eties of Christmas ever­ greens, says AFI. But, five or six account for almost three-quarters of the com- mercially-raised species. Perennial favorites are: Balsam fir (fragrant, stays fresh longer); Douglas fir (elegant, with ornamental needles); Scotch pine (full branches, clustering nee­ dles) ; red pine (graceful branches with turned-up tips); and blue spruce (symmetrical, with silver- blue color). Grown on farms The trees are grown on some 450,000 acres of tree farms in almost every state. It takes about six to 12 years to raise a Christ­ mas tree, and in that time a lot of work goes into the grooming process. Foresters work almost like cosmeticians to cor­ rect esthetic faults. They may brace the tree trunk to eliminate kinks, shear branches to prevent un­ even development, and prune them to encourage thicker growth. The trees are also assured just the right amount of sunlight and moisture, and protect­ ed against insects, disease, frost or unseasonable warmth. Suggestions on care All this care is calculated to bring an attractive Christmas tree to market. If you want to keep it that way through the holidays, AFI offers these sugges­ tions: Fresh tree • Be sure the tree is fresh when you buy it. Needles should not break when gently bent. The Buy a living gift for Christmas or visit our gift department for unusual and decorative items... • Reproductions irPewterware • Porcelain • Glassware ^NATIO JkiMfe; Mr-- >s^NYx,. IH » ' A I m 27830/4S 27830/3S 27870 27831 27832S 4-pc. Jack Shepard Coffee Service incUjding NjLjg7870 Tray 3-pc. Jack Shepard Coffee Service Tray, dia. 12" Coffee Pot, 6-cup, Insul. handle Sugar & Cream Set Flowerwood's indoor acclimated green plants make a perfect living gift... and, only $5.00 down holds your green plant until December 15... then pick it up or have Flowerwood deliver it for you. Flowerwood is open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning December 1st 459-6200 ROUTES 14 & 176 CRYSTAL LAKE Saturday 9-5/Sunday 10-5 bottom of the stump should be wet and sticky with sap. Lift the tree a few inches off the ground, then bring it down sharply on the stump end. If substantial numbers of needles drop off, the tree is too dry. Plenty of water • When you get the tree home, make a fresh diag­ onal cut in the stump end to allow greater absorption of water. Be sure water in the tree stand remains above the cut. Place the tree away frdm all heat sources: radiator, ducts, even the T.V. Safety checks • Keep safety in mind. Be sure there are no ex­ posed wires or frayed insu­ lation on the light strands, and no cracked or broken light sockets. After Christ­ mas, you may want to saw the trunk into fragment firewood. But, never burn a bundle of branches in the fireplace. Instead, use the tree limbs and needles for mulch to help your springtime garden grow. If you're ecologically- minded, says AFI, remem­ ber that Christmas ever­ greens use only solar ener­ gy to grow. But manufac­ turing artificial trees from plastic or aluminum re­ quires use of oil and elec­ tricity. Degreaser eases Yule clean up The fun and festivity of having the family over to share the holiday meal needn't be spoiled because of cumbersome cleanups. Whether your menu re­ volves around a turkey or a beef dish, you can speed through after-eating kitch­ en cleanups with a bit of help from Grease relief™ degreaser. Some degreaser applied to greasy pots and pans will lift grease so that it can practically be rinsed away. Add it to dishwater to boost your dishwashing detergent's grease-cutting strength and dishes and flatware will be a breeze to wash, too. It can also be a savior when guests accidently drop greasy food on your beautiful, washable table­ cloths -- to remove greasy food marks, just squirt some degreaser on those spots before laundering the tablecloth (it boosts the strength and is com­ patible with detergents).