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Keep it Fresh:
When you get home, cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the end of the trunk and put the tree
immediately into water.
If you are not ready to put your tree up right away, keep it in a cool and shaded area such
as a garage or covered porch, in a bucket of water.
Will tapering the base or cutting it at an angle increase the area that takes up
water? No. The most efficient water transporting cells are just below the bark. Once the
water level falls below the exposed surface on a tapered trunk, drying will begin. An angle
or "V" cut will require more water depth to cover the cut surface. It also makes the tree
more difficult to hold upright in a stand and less stable.
Should I add bleach, aspirin, fertilizer or other things to the water to make trees
last longer? NO! Research has shown that plain tap water is by far the best. Some
commercial additives and home concoctions can actually increase needle loss. Water
holding stands that are kept filled with plain water will extend the freshness of tress for
weeks.
How large should a tree stand be?
Do no use small "coffee cup" stands. Check the water level frequently since trees can take
up large amounts of water each day, particularly during the 1st week. Generally, a tree
can use up to 1 quart of water per day for each inch of stem diameter. Therefore, a stand
that will hold a 4 inch trunk should hold at least one gallon of water with the tree in the
stand.
Keep it Safe:
Use newer model lights with in-line fuses.
Display your tree away from sources of fire or heat, such as fireplaces, heating vents and
candles.
Always turn off tree lights when away from home and before going to bed.
Common causes of needle loss:
Dragging a tree from the field to the barn. This can bruise the needles and cause
needle loss.
Letting the water level in the stand fall below the cut surface of the tree. The cut surface
will seal and not allow water uptake.
Adding so-called needle retention aids.
When you get home, cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the end of the trunk and put the tree
immediately into water.
If you are not ready to put your tree up right away, keep it in a cool and shaded area such
as a garage or covered porch, in a bucket of water.
Will tapering the base or cutting it at an angle increase the area that takes up
water? No. The most efficient water transporting cells are just below the bark. Once the
water level falls below the exposed surface on a tapered trunk, drying will begin. An angle
or "V" cut will require more water depth to cover the cut surface. It also makes the tree
more difficult to hold upright in a stand and less stable.
Should I add bleach, aspirin, fertilizer or other things to the water to make trees
last longer? NO! Research has shown that plain tap water is by far the best. Some
commercial additives and home concoctions can actually increase needle loss. Water
holding stands that are kept filled with plain water will extend the freshness of tress for
weeks.
How large should a tree stand be?
Do no use small "coffee cup" stands. Check the water level frequently since trees can take
up large amounts of water each day, particularly during the 1st week. Generally, a tree
can use up to 1 quart of water per day for each inch of stem diameter. Therefore, a stand
that will hold a 4 inch trunk should hold at least one gallon of water with the tree in the
stand.
Keep it Safe:
Use newer model lights with in-line fuses.
Display your tree away from sources of fire or heat, such as fireplaces, heating vents and
candles.
Always turn off tree lights when away from home and before going to bed.
Common causes of needle loss:
Dragging a tree from the field to the barn. This can bruise the needles and cause
needle loss.
Letting the water level in the stand fall below the cut surface of the tree. The cut surface
will seal and not allow water uptake.
Adding so-called needle retention aids.