How To

How to Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(53 Ratings)

Your tree will look healthy and happy until New Year's if you follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Christmas Trees
  • Tree Stands
  • Watering Cans
  • Buckets
  • Saws
  • Saws
  1. Step 1

    Select the freshest tree possible. Ideally, buy one that is cut the day you bring it home.

  2. Step 2

    Cut 1 inch off the base, place the tree in a bucket of water, and stand it in a cool, shady place if you don't plan to set it up right away.

  3. Step 3

    Cut 1/2 inch to 1 inch off the base of the trunk when you bring it inside to set up.

  4. Step 4

    Place in a tree stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water. Add plain water.

  5. Step 5

    Water the tree every day.

  6. Step 6

    Avoid allowing the water level to drop below the cut end of the trunk. If it does, a seal will form and prevent any more water from being absorbed by the tree. You'll need to make another cut in the trunk if this occurs.

  7. Step 7

    Keep the tree away from the fireplace, vents and other sources of heat.

  8. Step 8

    Spray tree with an antitranspirant, which is a clear film that slows water loss from the needles. Spray it on before trimming the tree.

Tips & Warnings
  • Miniature light sets produce less heat than the standard-size lights, so the tree will dry out less quickly if you use them.

Comments  

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tlclark said

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on 12/10/2009 Great tips!

johndunne said

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on 12/8/2009 Good To know, this year I'm going plastic though =)

denagoldy said

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on 12/8/2009 I have tried the asprin & pennies but found that a shot of bleach keeps the sap from gumming up so the tree can absorb water.

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on 12/7/2009 yep, yur crazy

ester2007 said

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on 12/6/2009 An artificial one can solve all the problems

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