Christmas Tree Care Tips

When a Christmas tree is cut, 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:

A real Christmas tree, as with real cut-flowers, will require a certain amount of care and precaution to obtain the maximum enjoyment and longevity. After obtaining your tree it should be kept cool until you are ready to install it and begin decorating it. The tree may be kept outdoors, but in such a way that it will be shielded from the the sun and the wind. This will help the tree retain moisture. An unheated garage, or porch, or patio will do fine until you are ready to bring the tree inside to set it up. | | | | | |

The most important thing to remember for the maintenance of a real Christmas tree is water. Unless properly watered, the needles will dry out and fall off and the boughs of the tree will begin to droop. ¬ÝWhen first setting-up your tree, you should make a new saw-cut, straight across the trunk, at least one half inch above the original cut. This allows the tree to freely absorb water. It's a good idea to select a tree stand that has a capacity to hold at least one gallon of water.

Initially, the tree may require a gallon or more of water in the first day or two. After that, expect that the tree will absorb two pints or more per day, depending upon its size. If you do find that the water level has gotten below the fresh cut that you made in the tree, a new cut will have to be made above the last one so that the bottom does not dry out, preventing the tree from absorbing an adequate supply of water.

Setting up your tree as far away as possible from sources of heat, fireplaces, radiators, vents, etc., will impede the drying process and is also a safety precaution. Additionally, remember to unplug tree lights before turning in for the night and whenever the tree is unattended.

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and very memorable holiday!

How to Care for Your Farm-Grown Fresh Christmas Tree

Prepared by Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley
Edited by the Scientific Research Committee of the National Christmas Tree Association

1. Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
2. Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
3. Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
4. 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.
5. 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. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
9. 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.
10. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
11. Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
12. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
13. Do not overload electrical circuits.
14. Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.1
15. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
16. Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
17. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.