Comments on: How to Keep a Christmas Tree Fresh

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 1/13/2006 Mix in a lot of salt with the water in the bottom of the tree.

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.

on 11/22/2005 If possible, raise the humidity in your house. A fresh tree will last much longer.

on 11/22/2005 I use the Christmas Tree I-V to inject water into the side of the tree. I drill a 1/2" hole in the trunk and plug in the I-V. That way, it drinks gallons of water without a messy bowl.

on 11/22/2005 Use hot water when you water your tree. The hot water keeps the trunk from sealing up. The sap from the tree tries to heal the cut off end. Hot water melts the sap allowing the tree to take in more water keeping it fresher longer.

on 11/22/2005 I have always poured extremely hot water with two dissolved aspirin tablets into the trunk of the tree. I don't know why, but it works every year.

on 11/22/2005 I have heard that some people recommend putting a few pennies in the bottom of the water. I don't know if this is true. I have always done it and mine seem to last a month.

on 11/22/2005 Drill a hole in the bottom of the tree when you cut it. Use warm water with a few tablespoons of Sprite.

on 11/22/2005 Adding Sprite or 7Up (I guess any soda would work, really) to the water helps keep the tree fresh. This also works well in cut flower arrangements.

on 11/22/2005 This may sound crazy, but if your tree isn't drawing water, use hot water. It will melt the seal at the end of the trunk.

on 11/22/2005 This may sound weird, but add either brown sugar or asprin to the water when you water your christmas tree.

on 11/22/2005 Using 1 teaspoon of miracle grow in 1 gallon of water will add the nutrients that the tree needs.