Most Asked Holiday Questions!

Each year Terry Skillin prepares a list of questions and facts for the Skillin's staff to know during the Christmas Holiday season. We thought we would pass these questions and answers onto you as they are quite informative and hopefully will be helpful to you.

Let us know if YOU have any questions!

1) How long can a live tree remain in the house?
ANSWER Because the tree is in a dormant stage it can remain indoors 3 to 5 days

2) What options are there for a living Christmas Tree?
ANSWER The most traditional are Balsam Fir, Dwf. Alberia Spruce, Green & Blue Spruce, and for a year round tree Norfolk Island Pine.

3) Which cut tree last the longest?
ANSWER They will all last through the season providing you give them a fresh cut before placing them into their stand and are never allowed to run out of water.

4) How should a cut tree be prepared?
ANSWER When the tree arrives home and is ready to be put up, cut 2” from the bottom of the trunk. Then place the tree straight into the stand and fill with water. Add a tree preservative into the water and every time you need to add water to the stand. Check the water level twice a day and always maintain the highest possible level.

5) How many lights are needed to light a tree?
ANSWER Mini lights require 50 lights per foot of tree height, and the larger lights require 15 lights per foot of tree.
5a) What are my options if my set of lights go out?
ANSWER First check that all bulbs are secure. Use a bulb tester (sold here at Skillin’s) to pin point which bulb has blown. Also check fuses that are located in the wall plug end.
5b)LED lights are the newest and most energy efficient Christmas lights available.

6) How do you care for a Poinsettia?
ANSWER Place Poinsettia in bright light, keep from draft, water when
soil is dry but not to a wilt. Do not allow Poinsettias to sit in water,
decorative foil on the container may hold water so remember to check
this and remove any excess water. Poinsettias are NOT poisonous!

7) How many pounds of fir does it take to make a 18” wreath (12” ring)?
ANSWER 10 to 15 pounds. For window boxes it takes approximately 2 pound for every foot of window box length.

8) How many feet of garland does it take to wrap a 6’ pole?
ANSWER 10 feet

9) Which garland lasts the longest indoors?
ANSWER Laurel is the longest lasting fresh garland. Silk or artificial
garland should be used in areas that need a traditional look and can not
easily be replace as needed during the holiday season

10) How do you keep holly and mistletoe?
ANSWER Keep holly cool and misted, replace as needed. Do not use
fresh holly outdoors it will freeze. Mistletoe will remain fresh if kept
cool, it will also dry nicely holding it’s leaves and berries. All PARTS
OF MISTLETOE ARE POISONOUS

11) How much Boxwood is needed to create a fresh 12” Boxwood tree?
ANSWER 3 pounds. If the boxwood tree is kept watered in can look great through ValentinesDay.

12) Is Skillins Greenhouses having an after Christmas Sale?
ANSWER Yes.

13) Does Skillins Greenhouses mail order wreaths?
ANSWER Yes, we have a State of Maine Wreath decorated for $34.99
shipped anywhere in the continental United States. Check out our web
site at www.skillins.com for this and other choices of wreath and great gift
ideas.

14) Does Skillins Greenhouses deliver Christmas trees?
ANSWER Yes for a 8’ tree and under local delivery charges apply.
Trees 9’ and over $30.00. We will also set up your tree into your stand in
the house for $30.00 for trees up to 9’. Larger trees $30.00 per hour, per
person plus materials. Skillin’s will also pick up your tree after Christmas
local delivery charges apply. Skillin’s will recycle your tree for free.

15) Does Skillins Greenhouses Fire Proof trees and holiday greens?
ANSWER Yes $7.50 per foot for trees and Holidays greens purchased
Fresh from Skillin’s.