How to Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh

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

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

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

5. Water the tree every day.

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

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.

Resources

• Letter From Santa
• Christmas Recipes

[tlclark]

on 12/10/2009 Great tips!

[johndunne]

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

[denagoldy]

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.

[drinkendrkwisky]

on 12/7/2009 yep, yur crazy

[ester2007]

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