Show #117 - Why Trees Love the Cold Season (and Why You Should Too)

Trees see the world differently — and November is their favorite month. While humans brace for the cold, trees rejuvenate, rest, and grow roots more aggressively than any other time of year. They shelter wildlife, purify air, store carbon, and add incredible value to your home — sometimes growing from a $100 purchase to a $20,000 landscape treasure.

Yet despite all they give us, most trees go unfertilized, unwatered, and unmulched. Their fall leaf drop enriches the soil, but they often receive little care in return.

The good news?
Now is the best time of the entire year to plant a new tree.

Roots grow all winter long. Stress is minimal. Watering needs drop. And your tree will be fully established before spring arrives.

Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

Alongside planting new trees outdoors, it’s also Christmas tree season. Here’s how to choose wisely:

Fir Trees: The Gold Standard

Fraser Fir — America’s #1 choice
- Stiff branches for heavy ornaments
- Naturally fragrant
- Excellent needle retention
Noble Fir — even nicer, with bluer foliage
- Premium beauty, longer-lasting
- Higher price but unmatched quality

Betty’s Christmas Tree Pricing

6–7 ft Fraser Fir: $78.88
7–8 ft Fraser Fir: $98.88
6–7 ft Noble Fir: $144.88

You won’t find Noble Fir or top-tier quality at box stores.

Make Your Tree Last Longer

Make a fresh bottom cut immediately before placing in warm water
Add Prolong, aspirin, or a splash of gin to help hydration
Keep the stand filled daily — Christmas trees drink a surprising amount early on

Holiday Indoor Color: Amaryllis & Paperwhites

Betty’s highlights Amaryllis as the ultimate holiday flower:

36cm jumbo bulbs: $15.88
Budded potted Amaryllis: $29.95
Paperwhites: $3.88 for 5 bulbs

Big bulbs = big blooms. Perfect for gifting or decorating.

Give Yourself a Christmas Gift (or Treat a Gardener You Love)

1. Plant Buried Treasure

Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils — plant now and surprise your household with spring blooms.

2. Ceramic Pots – 30% Off

Metro DC’s largest selection, deeply discounted.

3. Modern Gardening Gloves

Washable, puncture-resistant, fitted — starting at $6.88.

4. Houseplants for Cleaner Indoor Air

Palms, fiddle leaf figs, philodendron Birkin — all greenhouse fresh.

5. Bird Feeders & Bird Food

Bring flying art and cheerful music to any yard.

6. Quality Hand Pruners

Corona starting at $20; Felco 2 at $67.88.

7. The Gift of Lawn Health

Turf Trust: $45.77

8. Holiday Color

Large Amaryllis bulbs at budget-friendly prices.

9. Wind Chimes – 30% Off

Starting at $29.99, then discounted.

10. Indoor Gardening Fertilizer

Skip liquids — gifting Osmocote Plus or Garden Trust boosts growth daily.

11. Landscape Design Gift – Give Your Home A Gift

Half-price through Christmas — only $50 (Usually $100).

12. Protect Plants from Deer

Natura Tablets make a perfect stocking stuffer for gardeners battling wildlife.