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 several important tips relating to the care of displayed trees.
Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems.
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. Do not cut the trunk at an angle or into a V-shape which makes it more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible and if outside in the shade. Do not bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. Do not take any chances, place the tree immediately in 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 and in the shade.
To display trees indoor, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. Generally, 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. Do not sacrifice water supply for ease of setup, looks or expense.
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 or damaged.
Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heater / air-conditioning vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process resulting in less water consumption each day. If placed in front of a window, lower the blinds during the 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.
Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water intake.
Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights and LEDs, will reduce drying of the tree.
Always inspect and test light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn or has intermittent current, replace with a new set.
Do not overload electrical circuits, cording, strip-outlets or receptacles. Use grounded, quality strip-outlets with re-set breakers.
Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house. Refrain from cutting and placing your tree too early or displayed too long.
Many communities recycle Christmas trees. Support the effort to stabilize erodible areas, build fish habitat or provide mulch and other products or uses by participating in local programs. Be sure to remove of any decorations, disposable stands, plastic, etc.
Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
Prepared by Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley. Edited by the Scientific Research Committee of the National Christmas Tree Association. Reprinted from the National Christmas Tree Association website at www.RealChristmasTrees.org
The Southern Christmas Tree Association
National Christmas Tree Association
How to Care for
Your Fresh Farm Grown Christmas Tree
