How do you maintain a real Christmas tree?

The key to maintaining a fresh Christmas tree is to keep the bottom 2 inches of the trunk immersed in water, even if that means refilling the stand every day. Keep your tree hydrated and reduce needle drop by adding 1 capful of Miracle-Gro® for Christmas Trees for every quart of water added to your tree stand.

How long do you let a real Christmas tree sit before decorating?

Give trees 2 to 3 days to adjust by letting them sit in a garage or “in-between” transitional spot before and after they are in the home. The top-selling Christmas trees, as reported by growers across the United States, are the Scotch pine, Douglas fir, white pine, and balsam fir, in that order.

What do you put in Christmas tree water?

Fresh water

Be sure to replace the water that is used each day and don't allow the stand to dry out. Do not add sugar, aspirin, bleach or floral preservatives to the water; plain tap water is all that is needed to keep your tree fresh.

How do you take care of an indoor Christmas tree?

Keep it watered, but don't overdo it. Move the tree indoors. A few days before Christmas, move the tree to a spot with filtered light, but well away from drafts and heater vents; a cool location is best. Be sure it gets all the water it needs.

Does sugar water help Christmas tree?

While some people swear by adding something extra like sugar, soda and even vodka to their Christmas tree's water, our sources say fresh water is the best option. Fact-checking if adding something to the water will help keep your tree fresh longer.

Everything you need to know to care for a real Christmas tree

Do you put warm or cold water in a Christmas tree?

There's an old wives tale that putting hot or warm water in the Christmas tree stand makes it last longer. But if you ask the National Christmas Tree Association, that doesn't make a difference. They say the real game changer is a fresh cut.

What do you put in Christmas tree water to make the tree last longer?

Should you add anything to Christmas tree water? There's some debate about whether adding any kind of preservative to the water (like sugar, corn syrup, aspirin, or even vodka) can keep a Christmas tree fresher, but experts agree that plain, clean water is best.

How long does a real Christmas tree last indoor?

How long do real Christmas trees last? With proper care, most real Christmas trees should last at least five weeks or more. That means, if you decorate for Christmas in late November, your tree should easily survive beyond the holiday festivities.

How long will a live Christmas tree last indoors?

A healthy, fresh-cut Christmas tree will last for four to five weeks if properly cared for. If you're itching to put up your holiday decorations earlier, start with non-living decorations whenever you like, and finish off with fresh greenery and your Christmas tree around the first of December.

Should I spray my real Christmas tree with water?

There is no need to spray the needles or branches with water on any type of tree. There have been a lot of myths about what to add to your Christmas tree water recently, whether it be aspirin, honey, sugar, plant food or anything else.

How soon should a Christmas tree start drinking water?

It could take up to 48 hours before your tree starts to drink. If you find that your tree is not drinking after this time, try adding hot (not boiling) water to your tree stand. This will help break up any hard sap deposits that may be blocking the water intake.

Can you overwater a Christmas tree?

Watering your Christmas Tree:

A freshly-cut six-to-seven foot tree can take in over a quart of water a day. The water basin of the stand should be sufficiently large that the very bottom of the tree will always remain immersed in water. “A tree can't be overwatered,” John says.

Should I give my Christmas tree warm water?

Should I use warm or cold water for my Christmas tree? Water is water! Cut trees will soak up as much H₂O water they can get, so no need to worry about fiddling with the water temperature. They aren't picky.

What is the first thing to do when you bring a Christmas tree home?

Once You Arrive Home

Keep the trunk of the tree immersed in a bucket of water so that sap from the tree does not form over the cut stump and block the trees ability to absorb water. If it does, you'll need to make a new cut prior to bringing the tree indoors.

Does misting a Christmas tree help?

Indoor heating and drier climate conditions can dry out the needles on your Christmas tree. Use a spray bottle to mist the branches and needles once a day. This will help prevent them from becoming brittle and breaking off too soon.

Do you fluff a real Christmas tree?

Real trees should be kept away from heat sources and radiators, which can drain them of moisture and fullness. Spend time fluffing your tree for a more voluminous look, says Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association, a California-based trade group.

What type of Christmas tree smells the best?

When should you buy a real Christmas tree?

"Most real trees are sold during Thanksgiving weekend and the following weekend," he says. "Waiting until after these two weekends will decrease your choices."

Do Christmas trees like sun or shade?

When planted in the garden, it's important to place your potted Christmas tree in the right spot. Put fir trees in a sheltered spot as they like cool, moist conditions, and think about its position during hot summers, as it shouldn't be in direct sunlight. Also, ensure it's well watered during dry spells.

Does 7UP help Christmas trees?

Cut 0.5 to 1 inch off the bottom of the trunk before putting it in the stand. And make sure it has enough water. All your tree needs is plain water, experts say. You don't need to use 7UP, Viagra or other additives.

What temperature should a Christmas tree live longer?

The ideal room temperature for a full looking fir is around 16 to 18 degrees. But, there are plenty of other factors to keep in mind to keep your tree healthy for longer.

What kind of Christmas tree lasts longest?

Fraser fir will last you the longest, at about 5 weeks. If you like to buy your tree early, this one should still be looking good by Christmas time. A Douglas fir will also last quite a while at 4 weeks. Scotch pine also lasts for 3 weeks.

Does Sprite help keep a Christmas tree fresh?

Always keep fresh-cut trees in water. Don't add sugar, Sprite or any other additives, according to longtime Christmas tree farmer Damian Prause.

How long can Christmas tree go without water?

Most species of Christmas trees can go without water for as long as 6-8 hours after a fresh cut. Just make sure the surface remains clean and the cut end is not damaged by banging it against the ground. Once you get the tree home, keep it in a bucket filled with water and in a cool location until you bring it inside.

Why do you drill a hole in a Christmas tree?

With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water. Drilling multiple holes 3/8" - 1/2" approximately 1/2" deep may improve water intake. Drill 4-6 holes around the side of the trunk below the water level.