How to Make a Natural Preservative for a Christmas Tree

With proper care, a cut Christmas tree should last three to four weeks.

Unfortunately, as soon as you cut a Christmas tree from its roots, it begins to die. And because many Christmas trees are bought and decorated days (sometimes weeks) before Christmas, it's imperative to do whatever you can to help the tree last and look good through the holidays. An all-natural Christmas tree preservative will help keep your tree at its best for as long as possible, without introducing potentially harmful chemicals or fumes into the home.

Things You'll Need

• Empty gallon jug
• Water
• Clear, citrus-flavored soda

Instructions

1. Fill the empty gallon jug halfway with water.

2. Fill the rest of the jug with the citrus soda. Shake well. According to the "Scientific American," these clear sodas provide food and nutrients, which water alone lacks, to the tree, which it can't get for itself because it lacks roots.

3. Give this mixture to the tree the moment it's in a stand. Keep the tree well-watered with it, checking four to six times a day. A large tree may drink gallons a day.

4. Keep the mixture at room temperature at all times, as this will facilitate the movement of nutrients up the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• You may wish to have more than one gallon handy, just in case.

References

• "Scientific American:; Fact or Fiction?: Vodka and Citrus Sodas Keep Cut Flowers Fresh; Ciara Curtin
• Gardens Alive: Keep That Christmas tree Safe!
• Pfaff's Christmas Trees: Common Questions ...