Early in the fall, hardening can be reversed if cold periods are followed by several days of warm weather. Problems with shedding of green needles, especially in the lower crown, often arise when trees are cut during mild weather in November. Try to ensure that trees are cut and delivered as late in the season as possible. Also, split shipments should be considered. Tree freshness is probably the most important criterion of consumer acceptability.
Dry needles are more pliable and tend to bend rather than break.
These criteria apply to the merchandise from the time of receipt until it is sold. At that point, the twig that originally weighed 2.1 grams Eric Hinesley, Horticulture William T. Huxster, Extension Forestry Use of trade names represents neither an endorsement by the North Carolina cooperative Extension Service nor criticism of similar products not named. The most accurate way to determine MC is with a pressure bomb. Readings can be taken quickly, and one twig per tree is adequate. Checking 2 or 3 trees in a load will give a relatively accurate picture of moisture status for all the trees.