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Recently I did an article on selecting a Christmas tree. Once you have picked the tree of your choice, there are some things you need to do when you get the tree home.

Cut off at least 1-inch from the bottom of the tree and put the tree into a bucket of clean, warm water. A fresh cut tree takes up an amazing amount of water as it warms up.

Next, make sure your tree stand is clean.

Locate your tree in an area that is away from heat vents and fireplaces.

Transfer the tree to a stand and lukewarm water and then to cool water. Additives are not necessary or recommended. There is not magic that preserves a tree or makes it nonflammable. Check the water in the tree stand at least twice a day. Never allow the water level to go below the cut on the bottom of the trunk. If the cut area is exposed to air it seals the tree and it will no longer take up water.

Before you decorate, check all lights to make sure there are no frayed wires or broken bulbs. Only use lights that are rated for indoor use. Always turn off Christmas tree lights when you go to bed or when you are away from home.

One other thing that you need to check for on your Christmas tree is unwanted holiday guests. Some time ago, Andy Birkey, Entomology technician, wrote an article about nuisance pests on Christmas trees.

Adelgids attack the bark of pines, especially white pines. The adults are tiny with soft, cottony outer covering that create a white fluffy appearance on the stems of the tree. They become active when the temperature reaches 50 degrees or when brought into the home. They should be noticeable when you purchase the tree. They are host specific which means they don't transfer from the Christmas tree to the house plants.

Aphids are small sucking insects that range from 1/16 to 1/8 inches in size. They may hatch from egg masses that were not pruned out. The aphids are also host specific and don't feed on house plants.

Spider mites often become active when the temperature rises, as it does in a home. They are very small and may cluster together with some webbing present. They generally remain on the tree when active, but they can become a pest on houseplants.

Bark beetles feed under the bark of conifer trees. They can create a noticeable amount of sawdust as they burrow out a tree. Bark beetles that over winter under the bark are usually 2-5mm long and dark brown. They don't cause damage on furniture or household items.

Spiders sometimes seek shelter under the bark of Christmas trees. Although rare, they can be brought indoors on Christmas trees. Sometimes the spider eggs are present on the tree and may hatch in significant numbers. They are not dangerous to humans or pets.

Most retail Christmas tree outlets use mechanical shakers to remove dry and damaged needles. Shaking also dislodges many insects or spiders living on a tree. However, some may remain and be brought indoors. You may not be aware of bark beetles and the other insects that live inside the tree until after they emerge. Check over your tree once you bring it indoors and remove any insects that you find on the branches. A vacuum cleaner works great in eliminating the pests. Pesticides are not recommended and never use flammable types of pesticides around conifer trees.

If you are lucky enough to receive a houseplant as a holiday gift, remember they were raised under ideal conditions. There are many pests that love houseplants including mealy bugs, thrips, springtails, fungus gnats, white flies, aphids, cyclamen mites, and I'm sure there are more.

As it is in your garden, you first must identify what the insect is that you are dealing with. Next, you need to determine if the insect is harmful to your plants. If you need chemical control, check with a greenhouse or garden center. For many insects you can use insecticidal soap, B.T. (Bacillus Thuringiensis) or other non-toxic materials.

You can leave a question for a volunteer Master Gardener at 651-674-4417, ext. 18.Depending on the volume of calls, they try to respond within a couple of days.You can also get your question answered on the web at: www.extension.umn. edu/askmg.

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