How to Care for Your Farm-Grown Fresh Christmas Tree
When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your tree.
- Displaying trees in water in a reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining freshness.
- Immediately prior to being placed in the stand, make a fresh cut to remove about 1/4 inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk. Don’t bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
- 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 trunk diameter.
- Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
- Keep trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents or direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
- Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
- Always turn off tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed.
Note: If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location, out of the sun and wind. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.