Episode: #13 9/12/06
Presenter: Sue McDougall

The Christmas spirit is well and truly with us and one of the most exciting events in Sue?s house is putting the Christmas Tree up. Sue tries not to put it up too early, but now that school is finished Sue has promised the first thing they can do is start decorating.

From about July, she gave her word to the kids that they can have a cut tree bigger than them, and the reasoning was from one of her kids, ?because this is what makes it a real Christmas mummy!?

Now who could say no to that!!!

Christmas is all about family, remembering, giving and traditions, and this year we have discovered Valley Christmas Tree Farm in Hope Valley and Sue has decided they are going to start with the tradition of selecting a living tree.

With 4000 trees to choose from the kids are sure to find the one they really want, because after all they are the ones that are going to be decorating it. Families are welcome here, in fact it is encouraged, because it is a fantastic family outing and adds to the Christmas experience and for Sue it fills in one more day before the big day.

The trees are grown in ground and management practices at the farm ensure your tree is eco friendly. They have been pruned regularly throughout the year, to give them the perfect shape.

Once it has been agreed on by all, the perfect tree, you are supplied with the right equipment required to harvest it. A trolley, a saw and a kneeling pad certainly makes the job much easier. You also have a measuring pole to measure the height of the tree so you can work out the cost.

There are a few after care tips to ensure your tree will last and if cared for correctly will stay green for up to 6 weeks. When you get the tree home, cut about 3-4 cm off the trunk. This fresh cut will ensure the plant will take up water immediately. To get the longest life ensure they don?t run out of water.

Tree stands are available from the farm and Sue recommends one, they are easy to use, last forever and having gone through a Christmas without one she can tell you a few bricks in a bucket just didn?t do it.

If you have shied away from a live tree in the past because of the dropping needles, you don?t have to worry because these trees don?t drop needles and the smell of a living tree in the house really says it is Christmas.

So make your way down to Valley Christmas Tree Farm and start your own tradition.

The staff are fantastic and make you feel welcome, they understand how important it is to get the perfect tree and if you can?t get your tree home because it is just too big then ask about their delivery service.

Valley Christmas Tree Farm

36 Sayer Road
Hope Valley WA 6165
(08) 9437 9559

Open 9am-5pm everyday until Christmas