Tips on how to care for your Farm-Grown Fresh Christmas Tree

Did you know that when a Christmas tree is cut, over half of it's weight is water? With the proper care you can maintain your quality of tree and make it last through the Holiday season.

1) Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems. Tree stands are also available on the tree lot for purchase, your salesman can help you decide on which one would be the best for you.

2) Your salesman will give you a complimentary fresh cut to remove about a 1/2 inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before you leave the tree lot. Don't forget to purchase your Tree Disposal Bag, they are very handy when it's time to take your tree down and out to be recycled. 

3) If you can, try to set up your tree as soon as possible in a stand to ensure it will draw up water through the freshly cut bottom.
If you're not able to put it into a stand right away, keep it in a cool place in a bucket of water until you're ready.

4) While you have your tree displayed indoors, it is crucial that you maintain a full water level in your stand. With many stands there can still be water in the tree stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water.  Beware that your tree may drink up to a gallon of water within the first 24 hours after you bring it indoors and set it up. Keeping a good watch on the water level in your stand will ensure your tree's longevity through the Holiday season.

5) Keep your Christmas tree away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight).  Anything that emits heat will cause your tree to draw up more water and therefore you'll be watering more often as well.

6) Try using miniature lights to decorate your tree, they produce low heat and will reduce the drying of the tree. Always inspect your light sets prior to placing them on your tree. If worn, replace with a new set. Never overload electrical circuits. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are the most common cause of Holiday fires in residences. Studies prove these are just as likely to affect artificial trees as real trees.

7) Always turn off your tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.

8) After Christmas bring your tree to the recycle program in your neighborhood, they offer free recycle bags to those who participate. The trees are then made into mulch and used in your neighborhood parks for landscaping. What a great way to recycle!