DECEMBER 3-4, 2025 • VOL. 65 ISSUE 5
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7 expert tips for selecting and caring for a fresh Christmas tree See: Page 2: ‘CHRISTMAS’
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LOCAL NEWS Continued From: Page 1, CHRISTMAS
will quickly dry out.
With the shopping season underway for live Christmas trees, The Morton Arboretum’s tree experts offer seven key tips for choosing the best tree and keeping it fresh through the holidays.
Decide on a suitable evergreen species. Some evergreens retain moisture and hold onto their needles longer than others. Some are more fragrant, less sharp, or have stronger branches for hanging ornaments.
“Live evergreen trees are commonly purchased for Christmas weeks before Dec. 25,” said Arboretum Plant Clinic Manager Spencer Campbell. “If the tree dries out, it could become a fire hazard. But a well-cared-for tree with consistent water can last all through the holiday season.”
Common species sold in the Chicago area include Fraser fir, balsam fir, concolor fir and Scots pine. Learn more about different kinds of Christmas trees on the Arboretum’s website.
The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic supplied this list of tips for preserving an evergreen tree’s freshness and can provide free advice by phone or email for those with questions about Christmas tree or other plant care. Ensure the tree and stand are a match. Just as fresh-cut flowers need a vase, a cut evergreen needs a proper tree stand. If purchasing a new stand, keep in mind it should hold one gallon of water at a minimum to ensure the tree stays sufficiently hydrated. Bring the stand to the Christmas tree lot—that way, it’s there for comparison against the width of the tree’s trunk. Avoid whittling down a trunk in an attempt to make it fit the stand. Water vessels are located just beneath the bark, so if severed, the tree
Search for a fresh tree. The more recently it’s cut, the longer the tree will last. The best option is harvesting from a choose-and-cut tree farm. Small local lots also likely have a stock from the last few days or weeks, making them fairly fresh. Wherever a tree is purchased, check it carefully for freshness. How to test for freshness: Needles should be lush green, plump with water, firmly attached, flexible and fragrant. Try running a hand gently over a branch. If many needles fall off or if the needles feel stiff or crackly, the tree is past prime and should not be bought. While it’s normal for an evergreen to lose some yellow or brown needles in autumn, dropping a significant number of green needles is a primary indication that the tree is drying out. It is not recommended to buy a tree if the seller won’t let the customer unwrap it to examine its freshness. Make a new cut. Once the desired evergreen is cut, time starts ticking. If it’s not placed in water within about an hour, the base of the trunk will become sealed by dried sap, which blocks water absorption. To reopen the tree to water, trim about an inch
off the bottom, or ask if the vendor can do it before leaving the lot. Water, water, water. If a tree will be kept outdoors for an extended period of time before it’s set up inside, store it in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot or in an unheated garage. Top off the water in the bucket daily. As soon as the tree is in its desired position indoors, fill the tree stand with warm tap water. Check the water at least twice a day and refill as needed. Never allow the water level to fall below the bottom of the trunk. Exposure to air can still cause the cut surface to seal with sap. Use plain water. Don’t add aspirin, sugar or any other substance. Water is all the tree needs. Protect the tree from heat. Stage the tree well away from any heat sources such as radiators, heating vents or fireplaces. Even a very sunny window can dry out a tree. When decorating, opt for newer LED lights that are both more energy efficient and cooler than older incandescent tree lights, which tend to run hot. Routinely check for freshness. Needle loss is normal, but if the tree starts dropping many needles and the branches become brittle, it has dried out. At that point, it’s safest to remove it from the house to prevent a fire hazard. Stay tuned for more tips from the Arboretum in December on how to dispose of live Christmas trees. The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic is generously sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts.
LOCAL NEWS
DECEMBER 3-4, 2025 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 3
JTHS CEO Students Host Christmas at the Castle Students in the Joliet Township High School CEO program invite families and the community to its upcoming Christmas at the Castle event on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Joliet Central High School, 201 E. Jefferson St. in Joliet. This free, public event welcomes people of all ages to enjoy a festive evening packed with holiday spirit and activities.
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Guests will experience a night of family games, activities for children, local vendors, holiday snacks, a toy donation center, and the chance to meet Santa. The celebration is aimed at bringing the Joliet community together while highlighting the entrepreneurial tal-
ents of high school students.
holiday celebration.
The event is planned and hosted entirely by students enrolled in the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) Program at Joliet Township High School. Now in its second year, the program offers participants a year-long immersion in real-world business practices, professional skill building, and interaction with local business leaders.
We aim to create a fun and inclusive environment where everyone can come together and enjoy the spirit of the season.”
Participants design their own entrepreneurial ventures through a curriculum based on innovation, hands-on learning, and community partnership. CEO student Ariel Smith shared, “Our team is excited to work together to bring the community a meaningful
The CEO team extends gratitude for community support and looks forward to welcoming Joliet area families. For building entry, attendees should use Door G, Door J, or Door I (Accessible Entrance) located off Eastern Avenue at Joliet Central High School. Park in any available spot in any school lot. All guests will be required to pass through the Evolve security system upon entry.
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BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE
What Is a HELOC? Key Features, Benefits and Risks Explained Homes symbolize many different things, including an investment in one’s future. Bank of America says a home equity line of credit, often referred to as a HELOC, is a line of credit secured by your home. It is a revolving credit line that can be used for various expenses. The Credit Union of Southern California reports that a HELOC credit line is issued by a lender and has a limit and variable interest rate that is secured by the equity in your home. A HELOC is similar to a credit card in that they both provide revolving credit. Investopedia says revolving credit is an agreement that permits an account holder to borrow money repeatedly up to a set dollar limit while also repaying a portion of the
current balance due in regular payments over time.
appraised value of the home, minus what is owed on the mortgage.
But unlike credit cards that may have high interest rates, the interest rates of HELOCs often are lower — a significant advantage when paying off large amounts of borrowed money.
HELOC terms also vary, but they can run for as long as 30 years.
Home equity accessed through a HELOC can be a great source of value for future renovations, large purchases such as cars, educational expenses, and alternative debt repayment.
Investopedia says home equity lenders place a second lien on the home (in addition to the first mortgage lien).
The credit limit of a HELOC depends on your credit standing and unpaid debts. It also is determined by the market value of the home and how much you owe on your mortgage. According to Credit Karma, banks tend to limit the amount borrowed to no more than 85 percent of the
Even though there are many benefits to HELOCs, there is a downside to using a home as collateral.
Defaulting on HELOC payments can result in legal action and a home being repossessed. Another potential pitfall is a lender may reduce or freeze your credit line after missed payments. Even though banks attempt to limit how much can be borrowed through HELOCs to help avoid potentially negative situations, they are not without risk.
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Borrowers considering a HELOC have other options, including home equity loans.
Homeowners can speak with financial advisors to learn more about their options for maximizing equity in their homes.
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