You can keep your Christmas tree looking
healthy and happy until New Year's if you follow a few simple guidelines.
Always select and buy the freshest tree possible, one that
is cut the day you bring it home.
Cut 1 inch off the base, place the tree in a bucket of water,
and stand it in a cool, shady place if you don't plan to set
it up right away.
When you bring it inside to set up, cut 1/2 inch to 1 inch
off the base of the trunk.
Make sure the tree stand can hold at least 1 gallon of water.
Add plain water.
Water the tree every day.
If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a
seal will form and prevent the tree from absorbing any more
water. If this happens, you will have to make another cut in
the trunk.
Keep the tree away from vents and sources of heat.
Use miniature light sets instead of standard size ones. The
former produce less heat and the tree will dry out less quickly.
Add soda to the water to keep the tree fresh. This also works
well in cut flower arrangements.
If your tree isn't drawing water, use hot water in the stand.
It will melt the seal at the end of the trunk.
Adding either brown sugar or aspirin to the water when you
water your christmas tree will keep it fresh longer.
Use 1 teaspoon of plant nutrient to 1 gallon of water to meet
the tree's nutrient requirements.
