Select the freshest tree possible. Ideally, buy one that is cut the day you bring it home.
Step2
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.
Step3
Cut 1/2 inch to 1 inch off the base of the trunk when you bring it inside to set up.
Step4
Place in a tree stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water. Add plain water.
Step5
Water the tree every day.
Step6
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.
Step7
Keep the tree away from the fireplace, vents and other sources of heat.
Step8
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.
on 12/9/2007
if the water in the tree stands does go dry what can be done too save the tree and not require it to be removed from the stand and recut? can you drill a hole lower on the trunk and feed the tree this way? or do you simply use the hot water to re-open the pores at its base?
on 12/27/2007
if you use a fresh stool (human poop, not animal!) in the water, it gives the tree some fiber and fertilizer. To help with the smell, simply add baking soda! Our family has passed this from generation to generation....
on 1/5/2006
I just installed a Christmas tree watering device and this device works great. Perform Google search for Christmas tree watering device and you can see pictures.
on 1/5/2006
I gently insert a 3 or 4 foot piece of PVC tubing vertically through the branches at the back of the tree down the trunk and into the water base. Next, I place a funnel at the top of the PVC and slowly pour hot water into it. You will need to stop several times and check the water level to be sure not to over fill, or have a spotter watching the water level in the base for you. This way I get no scratches every day, and the hot water rewarms the remaining water in the base. Then simply remove the PVC tube until the next time.
Comments
neenee said
on 12/9/2007 if the water in the tree stands does go dry what can be done too save the tree and not require it to be removed from the stand and recut? can you drill a hole lower on the trunk and feed the tree this way? or do you simply use the hot water to re-open the pores at its base?
JesseReed said
on 12/27/2007 if you use a fresh stool (human poop, not animal!) in the water, it gives the tree some fiber and fertilizer. To help with the smell, simply add baking soda! Our family has passed this from generation to generation....
Anonymous said
on 1/13/2006 Mix in a lot of salt with the water in the bottom of the tree.
Anonymous said
on 1/5/2006 I just installed a Christmas tree watering device and this device works great. Perform Google search for Christmas tree watering device and you can see pictures.
Anonymous said
on 1/5/2006 I gently insert a 3 or 4 foot piece of PVC tubing vertically through the branches at the back of the tree down the trunk and into the water base. Next, I place a funnel at the top of the PVC and slowly pour hot water into it. You will need to stop several times and check the water level to be sure not to over fill, or have a spotter watching the water level in the base for you. This way I get no scratches every day, and the hot water rewarms the remaining water in the base. Then simply remove the PVC tube until the next time.