Master Gardeners offer advice on poinsettias, Christmas tree selection

By Andrew Dziengel

Published December 11, 2024 at 11:51 AM CST

Two people standing in front of wooden shelves filled with CDs — Beltrami County Master Gardeners Becky Livermore, left, and Dan Sherman joined the "KAXE Morning Show" on Wednesday, Dec. 11,2024, to talk plants.

Beltrami County Master Gardeners Becky Livermore and Dan Sherman join the "KAXE Morning Show" to answer listener questions and discuss Christmas tree selection.

Even when it’s cold outside, there’s plenty to talk about with plants.

Norway pine branch, left, and white pine branch on a wooden table — Norway pine branch, left, and white pine branch brought in by Beltrami County Master Gardeners

Beltrami County Master Gardeners Becky Livermore and Dan Sherman joined the KAXE Morning Show to talk about taking care of poinsettias and the different types of Christmas trees and where to get them. The full conversation is available above.

Topics

Best way to keep a fresh-cut tree without putting it in water (0:50-2:26)
Best house plants to buy as holiday gifts (2:26-4:09)
Taking care of poinsettias (4:09-8:20)
Different types of Christmas trees and where to get them (8:20-18:53)
Are poinsettias toxic? (18:53-20:35)

Do you have questions for the Master Gardeners? Wondering about ordering your seeds for next season? Text us at 218-326-1234, and we’ll get them to the Master Gardeners before their next appearance Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Balsam fir branch, left, and white spruce branch on a wooden table — Balsam fir branch, left, and white spruce branch brought in by the Beltrami County Master Gardeners.

Tips on where and how to get Christmas trees

Chippewa National Forest

Pick up a permit at National Forest offices in Blackduck or Cass Lake or buy one online
$5 for one tree
Pick a tree on forest land that is not privately owned, tribally owned or a tree plantation

State forestry land

Find your tree on state land
Record the location which you can do by taking a picture on your cell phone
Go to the State Forestry Office to buy a permit
Permit is $25 but allows you to get several trees (Go with a friend!)

County forestry land

Varies by county, contact your County Forest Office

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