If you decide to buy a real Christmas tree for the holidays, then there are certain things you must do to ensure its freshness. Read on for some ideas …
-If you buy the tree but do not plan to put it up immediately, then store it away from the wind and the frigid temperatures. An unheated garage is one option. On the butt end of the tree make a fresh one inch cut, and then place the tree in a bucket filled with warm water.
-When it comes time to bring the tree into your home and put it up, make another fresh one inch cut on the butt end, and then carefully position the tree in a stand that is sturdy and strong. Make sure that the stand is capable of holding at least a gallon of water. Follow this general guideline- for every inch of diameter of the tree trunk, there should be one quart of water.
-Make sure that the level of water remains around the base of the Christmas tree at all times. If the base of the tree is allowed to dry out this can lead to resin forming where the tree was cut. The resin will make it difficult for the tree to absorb water, and it will then dry out much faster than it should. Many people add sugar to the water to preserve the tree. This is not necessary, just make sure that you water the tree regularly to keep it fresh.
-While larger Christmas lights on a tree are very eye-catching, miniature lights tend to produce less heat. This means that your tree will not dry out as fast, which is beneficial to you.
-If a fresh cut Christmas tree is properly cared for it can last as much as five weeks without drying out. It is advisable that you take down your Christmas tree before it has the opportunity to become too dry.
