by Logan, age 9, asks how often to water a real tree, about the Sacramento River, and why Sacramento is the capital
Dear Santa,
Hi Santa, from Sacramento. My name is Logan and I am 9 years old. My dad set up a big calendar reminder on his phone for our real Christmas tree this year, insisting he was not going to forget and let it dry out like the sad, droopy one we had two years ago.
My first question is: how often should a real Christmas tree be watered?
My second question is geography: what river runs through Sacramento?
My third question is from school: why is Sacramento the capital of California instead of a bigger city like Los Angeles?
I left you a slice of pear tart, since California pears are famous, and a mug of hot cider.
Love, Logan, age 9, Sacramento, California, USA
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Logan, that pear tart was a lovely local touch, thank you very much. Now, let us help your dad avoid another droopy tree, and answer your other questions.
How often should a real Christmas tree be watered?
A freshly cut tree should be checked daily, since it can drink a surprisingly large amount of water in its first week or two, sometimes even a couple of litres a day depending on its size. The stand should always be kept topped up so the base of the trunk never dries out, since once a cut tree trunk dries even briefly, it can seal over and struggle to properly absorb water again afterward. Your dad’s daily phone reminder sounds like exactly the right habit to keep that tree looking fresh and healthy all the way through the season.
What river runs through Sacramento?
The Sacramento River flows right through the city, one of California’s most important rivers, historically vital for gold rush era trade and still important for water supply today.
Why is Sacramento the capital of California?
Sacramento was chosen as California’s capital in 1854 partly because of its central location and its role as a major transportation hub during the gold rush, connecting easily to the rest of the state by river and rail, which made it more practical than larger coastal cities for governing the whole state.
Keep that reminder going, your tree will thank you, and I shall see you very soon.
Ho ho ho, Santa
