Garden Topics:
How to Care for Your Fresh Cut 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 displayed trees. Display your tree in a water reservoir type stand. This is the most effective way of maintaining the tree’s freshness and minimizes needle loss.

• Make a fresh cut to remove at least 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.
   
  
• 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.
   
  
• Your tree can be stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut tree trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
   
  
• 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. Use 1 oz of Keep it Green Christmas tree preservative pre gallon of water to extend tree life, retard needle drop and reduce fire hazard.
   
  
• Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand. We carry the Ever-Green Seasons watering system that is functional, and is designed to look like a nicely wrapped Christmas present when placed under the tree.
   
  
• 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. (A variety of different tree stands are available here at Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm.)
   
  
• Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day.
  The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
   
  
• 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.
  Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature LED lights; will reduce drying of the tree.
   
  
• Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
   
  
• Do not overload electrical circuits.
   
  
• Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
   
  
• Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your ZIP code to find a recycling program near you.
   
  
• Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace. (It can create a build up of creosote in the chimney which will cause a potential fire danger).

 

 

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