CARE TIPS
- Always do a fresh cut. We’ll gladly do it for you at the store. If you prefer to do it, remove at least 1/2”.
- Keep the bark at the base (and don’t cut into a V.) The bark absorbs the most water!
Your tree needs plenty of water!
- Get your tree in water as soon as possible after your fresh cut is made.
- Using a stand with a reservoir base is the best way to maintain freshness. Stands should provide about 1 quart of water per inch of trunk diameter.
- Keep it full the first day especially. Your tree can absorb up to 1 gallon of water in the first 24 hours!
- Check every day/every other day to ensure the tree has water. Never let the level get below the trunk bottom.
- Some people put an aspirin or lemon-lime pop in the water to help keep it fresh.
- A well-watered tree will lose fewer needles, but all fresh trees will lose some needles.
Maintenance
- Check for sap seepage - the sooner you clean it up the easier it will be.
- Keep away from heat sources. Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process.
- Use of lights that produce low heat, such as miniature lights, will reduce drying of the tree.
Disposal
- At the end of the season, you can take advantage of one of the many tree drop-off locations in the area -- or put it in your garden. When spring comes, you can chip it into compost for nutrition for your garden.
SAFETY TIPS
- Don’t block any exits when placing the tree.
- Don’t overload electrical circuits. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
- Don’t leave a dried out in the home or garage, nor place outside against the home.
- Don’t ever burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.
- Do place breakable ornaments high, out of reach of children and pets.
- Do keep the tree at least 3 feet away from open flames or heat sources (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, candles), which may dry it out prematurely and pose a fire hazard.
- Do inspect light sets. Make sure they are not frayed or chewed, and that connections are secure.
- Do always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
- Do monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas, or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
Sources:
National Fire Protection Association, National Christmas Tree Association, Wikihow
- Do keep the tree at least 3 feet away from open flames or heat sources (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, candles), which may dry it out prematurely and pose a fire hazard.
- Do inspect light sets. Make sure they are not frayed or chewed, and that connections are secure.
- Do always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
- Do monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas, or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
Sources:
National Fire Protection Association, National Christmas Tree Association, Wikihow
