Proper Care of a Real Christmas Tree

So you’ve made the choice to purchase a real christmas tree. They are truly a great option and really inspire a feeling of Christmas with their fresh crisp scent filling the air in your home, and their needles filling your socks! Well the last part can be a not so pleasant side effect further aggravated by improper care which will cause a tree to drop its foliage long before its time. I’m going to take this opportunity to give some tips for care that should help your tree last into the new year.

When you bring your tree home, saw a couple inches off the bottom of the trunk before setting in water. This opens the tree’s pores and allows it better absorb water.

Fill the tree stand and keep it filled, a thirsty tree can consume over a gallon of water in 24 hours!

Keep the tree away from heat ducts, remember this tree is in its element in the cold snow. The cooler it is the fresher it will stay.

Use lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.

Do NOT use additives in the water, including floral preservatives, commercial tree preservatives, molasses, sugar, bleach, soft drinks, aspirin, honey, and other potions. Clean water is all that is needed.

Monitor your tree for dryness. Run your fingers across the needles if they break easily or fall off in your hand, the tree is ready for a trip to the curb. A well-cared-for tree should normally remain fresh at least three to four weeks.