Are you new to getting a fresh tree? There's nothing like a fresh tree that can add that special charm and magic to your home for the holidays. For optimal results for your tree, follow these 8 guidelines!
1. Always choose the right-sized tree stand.
Your fresh Christmas tree is still a living plant, so it is going to need enough water to stay hydrated. You will need a large enough tree stand for the water it heeds on a regular basis. Your stand should hold a minimum of 1 gallon of water.
2. Acclimate your tree.
Before you haul your tree from a chilly environment into your warm house, let it rest in an unheated area. This can be your garage. Let it sit there for a day or two to prevent unnecessary stress. Unnecessary stress can cause extra needle loss and the acceleration of drying. Make sure to keep it upright in a bucket of fresh water while it acclimates.
3. Cut the base of the tree.
Before you bring your beautiful tree into your house, make sure you cut the trunk of the tree (again) so that any unwanted resin gets removed. Resin seals up the trunk and prevents the tree from absorbing the water it needs throughout the season. You only need to cut off 1".
4. Water your tree regularly.
The general rule of thumb for watering a Christmas tree is 1 quart per inch of the trunk's diameter. If not watered regularly, resin will return and make your tree dry up. This can make your tree a serious fire hazard!
5. Keep your tree away from fire and other heat sources.
Placing your beautiful tree next to a heat source (like a fireplace) is a sure-fire way to dry it out or, even worse, send it up in flames!
6. Use a humidifier.
Usually, in the winter the air is extra dry. If this is your home, run a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air. This not only helps extend the life of your tree, but can also make the environment more comfortable for you!
7. Remove your tree before it dries.
If you wait too long to remove your live tree, you're almost guaranteed to end up with a trail of dead pine needles from the living room to the back door.
8. Recycle your Christmas tree after the holidays.
There are a couple of ways you can recycle your live tree after the holidays. You can add it to your compost pile (or start one), turn it into fresh mulch, or check with your local town or city about disposal options. Some areas even offer pick-up services and will happily recycle trees from members of the community.
Whether this is your first year or not getting a live tree for Christmas, these tips and guidelines are always helpful. Follow our blog for more tips on your outdoor living space or indoor greenery.
Comments