Christmas Tree Care

Keep your Christmas tree fresh and minimize needle loss.

1. After buying or cutting a Christmas tree, put it in water as soon as possible. 2. Just before placing a Christmas tree in a stand, cut off about a ½-inch to 1-inch disk from the bottom of the trunk so the tree can “drink” the water once you set the tree in the reservoir stand. 3. (This next step is widely used but many Christmas tree aficionados do not think this step is necessary.) If your stand does not have setting pins or dowels used for puncturing the bottom of the trunk, then drill three small ¼-inch deep holes into the freshly-cut bottom of the trunk stem. Do not puncture the bark on the sides of the tree. 4. Fill the reservoir stand with water and keep the water level in the basin ¾ full. (Use enough water to keep the Christmas tree base submerged in water.) You may need to refill the reservoir for several days. 5. (This next step is another old school trick that many still use, but Christmas tree experts do not think it is imperative.) On the first day, add to the water either three tablespoons of sugar, one aspirin, or one can of Sprite. The added sugar will “feed” the tree while it is in the stand and theoretically keep it greener and fresher, longer. 6. Low heat (miniature) lights reduce drying of the tree and reduce fire risk. Likewise, high heat bulbs dry the Christmas tree and increase fire hazard. 7. Keep the Christmas tree away from all heat sources, including fire places, radiators, and space heaters. 8. Do not overload electrical outlets with Christmas tree lights. 9. Turn off Christmas tree lights while sleeping or when leaving the house. Use a timer to set convenient times to turn the lights on and off. 10. Christmas trees should be recycled and not burned in a fireplace, woodstove, or open bonfire. Most city and county governments have scheduled Christmas tree recycling days, where you can help the local environment, animals, rivers, lakes, and even help the boy scouts.


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