Kiwanis member Ray Murray stands with one of the Christmas trees as they were unloaded during last year’s Christmas Tree sales. The tree shop has been an ongoing fundraiser for the community organization for several years. -- Contributed photo

Nothing says “home for the holidays” like the fragrance of a freshly cut, real Christmas tree. Putting up and decorating a Christmas tree is a centuries old tradition which has become an integral step in preparing for Christmas Day. The Kiwanis Christmas tree lot on US 63 in Toledo will again be open for business in 2021 offering locals and visitors alike the option of freshly cut Christmas trees for the holiday season.

According to John Legg, chair of the Kiwanis Club Christmas Tree Sales Committee; the trees will be available for sale on Friday following Thanksgiving Day.

The lot is located across the street from the State Bank of Toledo on Highway 63 in Toledo. Regular hours will be noon to 6:00 PM on weekends and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays until all the trees are sold. Local trucking company Z-Line Ltd. donated transportation services for the trees and the location for the shop is lent each year by Chyma’s Welding.

The Kiwanis Christmas tree inventory features various shapes and sizes of trees with prices which will fit anyone’s pocketbook. The best part of buying a Kiwanis Christmas tree is the proceeds will be used by the Kiwanis club to improve the community by assisting children, young adults, the elderly and the needy.

During growing years, real Christmas trees cleanse the air, provide oxygen, protect the water supply, make a home for wildlife, and beautify the countryside. For each Christmas tree harvested, two or three new trees are planted as replacements to continue the growing cycle.

To keep your tree fresh and fragrant throughout the holiday season, use the following tips:

When you get home with your tree, keep it out of the wind and sun to avoid losing moisture– put your tree inside a garage or shed.

Mist or spray the branches of your tree with a water spray bottle once or twice a day to keep the tree moist until adding ornaments.

Cut a minimum of one half an inch off the base of the trunk immediately prior to placing your tree in a stand, so the sap plug created by the cut at the tree farm is removed to allow the absorption of warm water which should be added as soon as the tree is secured in the stand.

Place your tree in a stand which holds plenty of water–gallons is best.

Check the water supply at least once or twice a day, adding water as necessary.

Do not let the water level drop below the fresh cut line as a new sap “plug” will form preventing your Christmas tree from “drinking” or absorbing the water.