3 Simple Christmas Tree Tips

 

Make your cut tree last longer

These three simple Christmas tree tips can help you enjoy it to the end of the season. There are no secrets here; just common sense.

1. Buy it early. I used to sell Christmas trees. Would-be customers would often say that they’d prefer not to buy that day; they’d wait until later in the season so it would be fresh and last longer in their homes. I’d think, “Lady, they’re not gonna get any fresher!”  But I wouldn’t say it because I’m polite. The fact is, when Christmas trees are cut at the plantation, they start to die. Separated from their roots and the nourishment they provide, those trees’ days are numbered. Furthermore, in most cases, what you see on the lot is all you’re going to see. The vendor isn’t getting any more. So, the longer you wait to buy your tree, the deader it’s gonna be when you buy it. So, buy your cut Christmas trees as soon as they become available.
2. Prime it to suck. That cut tree is just aching to suck up more water. As soon as the end is cut that end begins to dry out. When the end dries, it’s just like pinching the end of a drinking straw. Not much is going to be drawn up into it. The cut end needs to be re-cut so it’ll start sucking again. Some Christmas tree lots will re-cut the end for you. If they don’t, or if you have a long way to travel, you’ll need to cut it yourself. Cut it flat at a 90 degree angle from the vertical so that your tree will sit flat in the tree stand.
3. Keep the cut end in water. If you plan to put it in a tree stand, do it immediately. Add water to the bowl as soon as possible. Mix tree preservative to the water, if you can get it. Many Christmas tree lots offer little packets for sale. If you can’t put the tree into its stand immediately, cut the end and stick it in a bucket of water until you do.

These three steps can help you enjoy your cut Christmas tree until the season ends.

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