Real Tree Care

Real Tree Care:How To Care for Your Farm-Grown Fresh Christmas Tree

When a Christmas tree is cut, typically over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees:

1.Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6-8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.

2. To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule,stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.

3. Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.

4. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.

5. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.

6. Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.Always turn off the lights when leaving the house or when going to bed. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.

7. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your zip code to find a recycling program near you.