HOW TO KEEP A CHRISTMAS TREE FRESH

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.

|