DRYING AND REHYDRATION OF ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR, ARIZONA CYPRESS, EASTERN WHITE-PINE, LEYLAND CYPRESS, AND VIRGINIA PINE CHRISTMAS TREES

Drying and rehydration characteristics were measured for Atlantic whit e cedar [Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) B.S.P.], Arizona cypress [Cupress us arizonica var, glabra 'Carolina Sapphire' (Sudworth) Little], Leyla nd cypress [x Cupressocyparis leylandii (A. B. Jacks, & Dallim.)], Vir ginia pine (Pinus virginiana L.), and eastern white pine (Pinus strobu s L.) Christmas trees. Species varied in drying rate, loss of mass dur ing display, water use after rehydration, the relationship between moi sture content and xylem water potential (psi), and keeping quality. Le yland cypress and Arizona cypress rehydrated from psi values as low as -5.0 MPa, and remained ht good condition after rehydration. The criti cal moisture content for Virginia pine and white pine was between -2.5 and -3.0 MPa. The ability of Atlantic white cedar to rehydrate decrea sed quickly with time out of water, and water consumption dropped shar ply within a few days after placement in water. Change in fresh mass v aried front +1% for Arizona cypress to -29% for Atlantic white cedar. Keeping quality of Virginia pine was poor, even for trees that were pl aced in water the day of cutting.