What can I add to water to make my Christmas tree last longer?

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.

What do you mix with water for a live Christmas tree?

Should you put sugar in Christmas tree water?

Plain tap water is all you need — the report cautions against adding sugar, aspirin, bleach, floral preservatives or other additives to the water. Some of those additives, like bleach, can actually cause damage to trees and plants.

Should you add Sprite to Christmas tree water?

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

Do I put warm or cold water in my Christmas tree?

You only have to use hot water the first time. From then on, always keep the reservoir filled with cool water. Bottom line - don't ever let the water go empty, and your tree should last through the holidays!

Secrets to properly watering Christmas trees

How much sugar do you put in the water for a Christmas tree?

People who use sugar water for their trees often use a mixture rate of one cup of sugar for every gallon of water added to the reservoir.

How do you keep a Christmas tree from dying?

You should keep it away from air vents and the door to your house, experts say. Sudden changes in temperature could harm your tree. You can also use a humidifier in the room. Moisture can help keep the needles fresher longer, as well as reduce the risk of fire.

Can you put vinegar in Christmas tree water?

The vinegar helps the tree to take in more of the water, the corn syrup acts as an energy source for the tree, and the bleach helps to prevent mold and fungi from growing in the water or on the base of the tree.

Does putting aspirin in water help Christmas trees?

The National Christmas Tree Association says the best way to keep a Christmas tree hydrated is plain fresh water. Adding aspirin, soda, bleach, corn syrup, sugar or preservatives are unnecessary and actually can be detrimental. They can decrease moisture retention and increase needle loss.

What is the best homemade Christmas tree preservative?

Mix together your water, corn syrup, and either vinegar or lemon juice and pour into your tree stand base. This can be made ahead of time and stored in a sealed container in the fridge, it should last 2 weeks.

What is a good Christmas tree preservative?

Andersen points out that some people swear by commercial Christmas tree preservatives, which can be mixed into the water in the stand. Others have said that they've had success by mixing a tablespoon of corn syrup or sugar into the water as a food source for the tree. Some people even add aspirin to the water.

What can I soak my Christmas tree in?

The corn syrup provides sugar, which allows the tree to soak up a lot more water than it normally would. Without sugar, only a small amount of water is absorbed by the branches and needles.

Does sugar water make a Christmas tree last longer?

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.

Does sugar help a dying 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.

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.

Can you add miracle grow to Christmas tree water?

Add to Water

Add 1 capful of Miracle-Gro for Christmas Trees to every quart of water added to your tree stand throughout the holiday season.

Does sugar water help Christmas trees last longer?

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.

Why do people put sugar in their Christmas tree water?

According to nursery experts, a variety of things can help prevent Christmas tree death. One tip incorporates an odd element: sugar. Experts say adding a tablespoon of corn syrup or sugar in the basin water will serve as a food source for the tree. Others recommended adding a little bit of lemon-lime soda like Sprite.

How much sugar do you put in the water for a Christmas tree?

People who use sugar water for their trees often use a mixture rate of one cup of sugar for every gallon of water added to the reservoir.

Does sugar water help trees?

There is no scientific evidence that feeding plants sugar water is conducive to plant health, on the contrary, it can harm your plants and even kill them.

Can you put vinegar in Christmas tree water?

The vinegar helps the tree to take in more of the water, the corn syrup acts as an energy source for the tree, and the bleach helps to prevent mold and fungi from growing in the water or on the base of the tree.

How do you revive a dying Christmas tree?

Can you put baking soda in Christmas tree water?

If you don't have plant food, you can add ingredients found in your pantry like table salt, baking soda, sugar, and add to the tree water. Sugar helps the salt and baking soda and sends these nutrients to the plant's roots, stems, and needles.