The freshness of cut Christmas trees can be determined with a few simple tests. Gently run your hand over a branch. The needles on a fresh tree will be pliable. Those on a dry tree will be brittle. Another test is to lift the tree by the trunk…

Deer may feed on trees and shrubs during the winter months and severely damage or destroy plants.  Damage is most likely to occur when food is scarce during prolonged periods of snow cover.  Deer often feed on the foliage on the lower…

Iowa’s harsh, winter weather (extreme cold, rapid temperature changes, and strong winds) makes it difficult to successfully plant an evergreen in winter.  Successful efforts require proper site preparation in fall and good tree care. …

After the holidays, there are several ways to dispose of or recycle your tree.  (Before recycling your Christmas tree, remove all tinsel and ornaments.) 

Place the tree in the yard or garden for use by birds and other wildlife…