How to Care for Your Farm-Grown Fresh Christmas Tree

With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees.

1. Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
2. Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.  If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water.
3. Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed.
4. Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day. Also use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
5. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set. Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
6. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
7. Go to www.christmastree.org/recycle.cfm and find out about the many ways trees can be  recycled and reused.

Prepared by Dr. Gary Chastagner and Dr. Eric Hinesley
Edited by the Scientific Research Committee of the National Christmas Tree Association www.christmastree.org