November 07, 2024

Keeping your Christmas tree fresh through December

By Julie Tomascik

If you buy a tree from a tree lot or a garden center, you can check the tree for freshness by doing the pull test. Gently pull on a shoot with your thumb and fingers; if the tree is fresh, you should not have any needles come off in your hand.

For many families, picking out the perfect Christmas tree is an annual tradition. But there are a few things you should keep in mind about your real Christmas tree to help keep it fresh through the holiday season.

Trim The Trunk

Make a fresh cut across the bottom of the trunk. I know it seems odd since you just cut down the tree, but it’s necessary.

When the tree is first cut, sap rushes to close the gap and seal the bottom. That prevents the tree from absorbing water.

Adding a fresh cut at the bottom before you place the tree in water will help it take in the water and stay fresh through December.

It’s also recommended to put up the tree the same day you bring it home. But if you can’t, you should store the tree in a cool place with water until you’re ready and able to set it up.

After trees are cut at the farm, the cut end will begin to dry out and resin can clog the water conducting tissues in the trunk. These factors will limit water uptake, so re-cutting the end aids in allowing the tree to take up water and keeping the tree hydrated.

Buy A Big Enough Stand

Make sure your tree stand is big enough for the tree and the water it will need.

Water, Water, Water

Always keep fresh-cut trees in water. Don’t add sugar, Sprite or any other additives, according to longtime Christmas tree farmer Damian Prause.

He recommends watering trees twice a day — and even more often than that in the beginning if you notice the tree drinking more water.

Choose An Appropriate Location

Location is key. Don’t place your tree in a window where it will get full sun. That will dry out the tree faster.

Also consider foot traffic and if any young or elderly family members or friends could trip and stumble over the tree.

Be Cautious Of Heat Sources

This goes back to location. Make sure your tree isn’t near a heater, fireplace or other heating and cooling sources. Those can dry out the tree or cause it to catch fire.

Check Your Lights

Before decking your tree, check your lights. Make sure there aren’t any exposed wires or missing bulbs. Smaller lights produce less heat, which is beneficial with fresh-cut trees.

Don’t leave your tree lit if you won’t be in the same room or at home with it. Real trees, especially if they are starting to dry, can catch fire. It’s important to follow general fire safety tips when you have a real Christmas tree indoors.

Check Water Levels Daily

There’s the water thing again. Make sure you check the water level in your tree’s stand daily to ensure the water isn’t below the bottom of the trunk. If it becomes very dry, it can become a fire and safety hazard.

Meet A Family Who Grows Christmas Trees

At Old Time Christmas Tree Farm in Harris County, Texas, the holiday season is all about making memories.

The Prause family grows holiday cheer each year on their farm by providing families an opportunity to choose-and-cut their own Christmas tree. Read more about their family here: https://tinyurl.com/2p9cs5vk.

Tomascik

Julie Tomascik is associate director-editor at Texas Farm Bureau.

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