CIRA de CASTILLOTGI Staff Writer LIHU’E — The first shipment of evergreens trees from the Pacific Northwest arrived in Hawaii last week aboard the S.S. Kaua’i and have gone on sale on Kaua’i. People who haven’t pre-ordered their holiday tree
CIRA de CASTILLOTGI Staff Writer
LIHU’E — The first shipment of evergreens trees from the Pacific Northwest
arrived in Hawaii last week aboard the S.S. Kaua’i and have gone on sale on
Kaua’i.
People who haven’t pre-ordered their holiday tree from a local
school or service club may find trees in short supply.
Zina Dizol, Big Save
market spokesperson, said the store ordered the same number of trees as last
year and expect the supply to be gone within a week.
That was echoed by
the other market managers. Retailers don’t want to be caught with a stock of
trees that are over a week old said Dizol.
Trees can be found this week
at Big Save, Big Kmart, and Wal-Mart. Star Market will start selling on Dec. 2.
After that expect Mainland trees to be gone.
Depending on the retailer you
will be able to find douglas firs, grandis, fraisers, plantation shears and
nobles. Trees range from 2-14 feet in height and are priced depending on type
and size.
For those who like “Hawaiian” Christmas trees check out your
local nursery. No Ka Oi Plants in Hanapepe and Kauai Nursery and Landscaping in
Puhi have live Norfolk Pines, Hawaiian Christmas trees, for sale.
Many
families like the idea of having a live and locally grown tree they can use
over the years and later use as landscaping said Lola Azigurtero, No Ka Oi
Plants specialist. The local trees come in pots from four inches to seven
gallons depending on the retailer. The small ones make great table
decorations.
Here is some advice on how to chose a tree and keep it
fresh:
*When buying a tree, do a freshness test. Grab a branch and pull
it toward you. If the tree is fresh you will smell the pine and not many
needles will fall off.
*Once your tree is purchased protect it from the
sun or wind until you are ready to decorate it.
*Cut the base about an
one inch above the original cut and place the tree in a stand that holds at
least a gallon of water.
*Check the water level of your tree daily. A new
tree will absorb about a gallon of water on the first day and about a quart of
water per day after.
How to keep your tree and family safe:
*If
small children will be around the tree, avoid decorations that are sharp,
breakable, or resemble candy or food. When decorating your tree, choose tinsel
or artificial icicles that are nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous
if ingested by children or pets.
*Use only lights that have been tested
for safety. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked
sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
*Use no more than
three standard size sets of lights per single extension cord. Do not run
extension cords under carpet or in front of doorways. Turn off all lights on
trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could
short and start a fire.
*Make sure your tree does not block doorways.
Secure a large tree to walls or ceilings.
*A dry tree is a fire hazard.
As hard as it may be to take it down, it’s a safer choice for your
family.
*When buying an artificial tree, look for a statement specifying
that the tree is fire resistant. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
