How to Water a Christmas Tree in a Stand

Select a healthy tree with green, flexible needles.

Although artificial Christmas trees are convenient, many people will accept only a beautiful, real tree, complete with feathery needles and evergreen fragrance. Unlike artificial trees, real Christmas trees require constant care to ensure that the tree maintains its beauty and quality throughout the Christmas season. A large Christmas tree can drink as much as 4 qt. of water per day, especially during the first week. With proper care and plenty of water, a freshly cut Christmas tree will last at least five weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Hand saw
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Place your Christmas tree in a cool area where the tree will be protected from freezing temperatures and harsh winds if you plan to wait more than two days before bringing your Christmas tree indoors. Use a hand saw to cut an inch from the bottom of the trunk, then stand the tree up in a bucket of water.

2. Cut an additional inch from the bottom of the trunk just before you bring your Christmas tree indoors. Place the tree in a Christmas tree stand. Use a large, sturdy stand that will hold a minimum of 1 gallon of water.

3. Fill the Christmas tree stand with lukewarm water. Check the tree daily, especially during the first week. Never allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree. Allowing the cut end to dry may cause the cut to seal, and the tree won't be able to effectively take up water.

4. Remove the tree from the stand if you accidentally forget to water and the water level in the stand drops below the bottom of the trunk. Cut an additional inch off the bottom of the trunk, then return the tree to the stand.

5. Remove the Christmas tree before it begins to dry out, as a dry tree presents a fire hazard and dry needles are difficult to clean up. Place your tree in your yard to provide winter shelter for birds, then hide suet or pieces of dry bread in the branches. Alternatively, take your tree to a recycling center where it will be turned into mulch.

References

• "Ohio State University"; Selecting and Caring for Your Cut Christmas Tree; Randall B. Heiligmann, et al.
• University of Illinois Extension: Christmas Trees & More