How to Keep Your Live Christmas Tree Fresh
With the proper care, the perfect Christmas tree you have selected will stay green and healthy throughout the holidays. Here are a few tips:
Make a Fresh Cut
• Make a fresh cut on the butt to open the pores which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one half insh. The fresh-cut surface should be creamy-white, not yellow or brown. If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water.
• After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between when the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put in water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water.
• Even if a hole is drilled to accommodate a pin-type stand, a fresh cut also should be made on the butt.
Put in Water
• Place tree in a sturdy stand which will hold at least one gallon of water. Fill with plain water.
• If the Christmas tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of water on a cool porch or patio away from the wind and sun.
Water Daily
• An average Christmas tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.
• If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed by the Christmas tree. So please water daily!
Mini Lights Produce Minimum Heat
• Miniature lights produce much less heat and reduce the drying effect upon a tree.
• Always check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on the Christmas tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light set; get a new one instead.
• Always turn off the Christmas tree lights when leaving the house or retiring for the night.
Keep Away From Heat Sources
• Please the Christmas tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts, radiators, TV sets, or sunny windows.
• Be careful not to block a door with the tree.
Recycle Your Tree
• After Christmas, before the tree dries out, remove it from the house for your local chipping and compost program. Call your county recycling center or disposal service for information.
• Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Information courtesy the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.
Make a Fresh Cut
• Make a fresh cut on the butt to open the pores which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one half insh. The fresh-cut surface should be creamy-white, not yellow or brown. If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water.
• After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between when the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put in water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water.
• Even if a hole is drilled to accommodate a pin-type stand, a fresh cut also should be made on the butt.
Put in Water
• Place tree in a sturdy stand which will hold at least one gallon of water. Fill with plain water.
• If the Christmas tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of water on a cool porch or patio away from the wind and sun.
Water Daily
• An average Christmas tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.
• If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed by the Christmas tree. So please water daily!
Mini Lights Produce Minimum Heat
• Miniature lights produce much less heat and reduce the drying effect upon a tree.
• Always check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on the Christmas tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light set; get a new one instead.
• Always turn off the Christmas tree lights when leaving the house or retiring for the night.
Keep Away From Heat Sources
• Please the Christmas tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts, radiators, TV sets, or sunny windows.
• Be careful not to block a door with the tree.
Recycle Your Tree
• After Christmas, before the tree dries out, remove it from the house for your local chipping and compost program. Call your county recycling center or disposal service for information.
• Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Information courtesy the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association.
