Show #118 - The Magic of Trees & Christmas Greenery: Why Now Is the Best Time to Plant, Decorate, and Gift Nature
The Wisdom of Trees: Why They Matter More Than Ever
Trees begin life as a small seed, yet grow into giants — offering shade, beauty, habitat, oxygen, and endless environmental benefits. They stand tall through storms, shelter wildlife, clean the air, stabilize soil, and even communicate underground through root networks.
A recent Washington Post review highlighted Japanese forest bathing, a practice that reduces stress, improves breathing, and clears the mind simply by being among trees. Trees give us peace — often without us giving much back.
Yet despite their value:
- We rarely water, mulch, or fertilize them
- We plant fewer trees than we remove
- We ignore the massive benefits they provide daily
And still… trees grow despite us, not because of us.
That’s why right now is the #1 time of year to plant a tree. Cool weather, moist soil, and lower stress help them establish stronger roots before spring.
Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree: What to Look For
While it’s a great time to plant trees outdoors, it’s also Christmas tree season — and choosing the right one makes a huge difference.
Best Choices for a Fresh, Fragrant Christmas Tree
Fraser Fir — America’s #1 Tree
- Stiff branches for heavy ornaments
- Naturally open branch spacing
- Freshness that lasts longest
- Incredible holiday fragrance
Noble Fir — Premium Beauty
- Striking blue-tinted foliage
- Strong branching
- Often considered even nicer than Fraser
- More limited availability and higher cost
Betty’s Christmas Tree Prices
- 6–7’ Fraser Fir: $78.88
- 7–8’ Fraser Fir: $98.88
- 6–7’ Noble Fir: $144.88
You won’t find top-grade Fraser or Noble Firs at box stores — Betty’s offers premium trees at discount prices.
Tips for Maximum Freshness
- Always get a fresh bottom cut
- Place immediately in warm water
- Add Prolong®, aspirin, or even a splash of gin to help water uptake
- Never let the stand run dry
Holiday Color: Amaryllis & Paperwhites
Betty’s puts huge emphasis on big, premium bulbs for Christmas color:
- 36 cm Amaryllis bulbs: $15.88
- Budded, potted Amaryllis: $29.95
- Paperwhites (5-pack): $3.88
These bulbs produce spectacular blooms that brighten any home all winter.
Give Yourself the Gift of a Better Garden
Here are some of the best gardening gifts — practical, beautiful, and budget-friendly:
Top Holiday Garden Gifts at Betty’s
- Plant spring bulbs (tulips, hyacinths, daffodils) as “buried treasure” surprises
- Ceramic pots — the metro area’s largest selection, 30% off
- Modern gloves — washable, skintight, puncture-resistant, starting at $6.88
- Air-purifying houseplants — palms, fiddle leaf figs, Birkins, and more
- Bird feeders & food — give the gift of “flying art and music”
- Hand pruners — Corona from $20, Felco $67.88 – best hand pruners
- Turf Trust fertilizer — a perfect gift for anyone with a lawn
- Amaryllis bulbs for holiday color
- Wind chimes — starting at $29.99, plus 30% off
- Indoor fertilizers — Osmocote Plus or Garden Trust for effortless growth
- Landscape design — ½ off at Christmastime, only $50 if you mention Great Gardens Radio
- Natura Tablets for protecting plants from deer
Why Now Matters More Than Ever
For 200 years in America, we’ve removed mature trees 3x faster than we’ve replaced them. Trees drop leaves every fall to feed the soil, but modern yards often interrupt this natural cycle.
This is the season to:
- Plant new trees
- Assess tree health based on fall color
- Feed stressed trees recovering from drought
- Install evergreen Christmas beauty
- Give meaningful gifts rooted in nature
Trees do so much for us — this time of year is our best opportunity to give something back.
