It’s a Maine Thing - Hezzy’s Sidewalk Talk

January 2008

Every year there are thousands of fires in homes throughout the US caused by Christmas trees. Improperly installed lighting, failure to water and allowing the tree to dry out are two of the leading causes. These unfortunate circumstances have lead many consumers to break away from using a real tree by purchasing artificial trees. The personal account reflected here might help you make your decision.

The holiday hype this year was the artificial tree, and I suppose, for the pragmatist, the concept warrants consideration. They DO look real, the bulbs are already in place, they’re easy to put up and so on. The price is right, too. Amortorized over time, it appears to be a good deal. Right?

All well and good, but missing the experience of making the annual “tree choice” either out in the woods or on the corner parking lot where trees are sold would leave a void in our holiday fun. And, don’t forget the quiet, daily ritual of watering the tree, cleaning up the spills underneath,and the fragrance of a real tree. Missing these would be a serious loss for purists like us. . . not to mention the ritual of finding lights that work in the bottom of the decoration box, then carefully hanging them on the tree in an attempt to make it look as beautiful as the one in the December Martha Stewart  Magazine, Living.  All part of the tradition, challenge and joy of the holidays.

So here we are: the holidays are at an end, the tree is taken down, the decorations put away, and the new year begun. But wait. What to do with the real tree that ends up in the backyard…..crying for attention?

For years, we simply ignored the remains that were left out back, behind the garage until it just got ridiculous, and eventually the tree would be thrown in the brush pile waiting for spring cleanup. How boring! Then a new approach to the problem came into our lives and this is something only a true Mainer can appreciate.

Our friend Peter turned us on to what has now become the annual torching of the tree. It’s fun, cathartic. and memorable. Best done at night for the full effect.

With plenty of room in the backyard, we placed the tree away from the house where there are no overhanging trees. Because we had plenty of snow we planted the tree in the snow pile and grabbed our propane torch. With much anticipation and excitement, the torch was placed at the bottom of the tree and lit. Within a second the tree that had been watered and tended to for weeks went up in flames with the top of the fire reaching over 40 feet high.

The entire act lasted no more than three minutes, leaving only a smoldering trunk. The heat was intense, the fragrance strong and the moment a new holiday memory. It was a blast. The photo at the left shows the tree engulfed at its peak.

So if you’re tempted by the convenience of the artificial tree, think about all the fun that you’ll be missing out on. Not only do we have this new tradition to look forward to, but we bought a local tree and supported a tree farmer because even the appeal of the artificial tree just could not win us over when we had this to look forward to.
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