Christmas Tree Care

The two most important things to remember when caring for your fresh Christmas tree are water and location. For a fresh Christmas tree to last through the season, water uptake is critical. Trees are very thirsty. A fresh cut tree can consume up to ONE GALLON of water in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. Use a water-bearing stand with a minimum one-gallon water capacity. Initially, you’ll need to check the stand twice a day, supplying fresh water as needed.

Ready to Decorate Today:

MAKE A FRESH CUT
Before placing your tree in it’s stand, make a 1/2” - 1" fresh cut off the trunk base. This removes the trunk portion that has been sealed off with sap and allows the tree to take up water.

WATER IMMEDIATELY
After making a fresh cut off the trunk base, place your tree in the stand and fill with fresh water as soon as possible. Water is essential to helping your tree stay fresh longer. Check your stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. Keep in mind, if you allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut, sap will form a seal over the trunk, preventing the tree from taking up any more water.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Pick a location in your home where your tree can be showcased away from ALL heat sources - like a radiator, baseboard heater, or forced air vents. Never put your tree near a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Heat tends to dry out your tree quickly. When possible, avoid windows with direct southern exposure, since they have the strongest sunlight.

Waiting to Decorate:

Your tree can be temporarily stored in a cool location until your ready to move it indoors and decorate it.

MAKE A FRESH CUT
Make a 1/2” - 1" fresh cut off the trunk base. The fresh cut removes the trunk portion that has been sealed off with sap and allows the tree to take up water.

WATER IMMEDIATELY
After making a fresh cut off the trunk base, place your tree in a bucket or tub full of fresh water. Water is essential to helping your tree stay fresh longer. Check water level to ensure it does not go below the base of the tree. Keep in mind, if you allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut, sap will form a seal over the trunk, preventing the tree from taking up any more water.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Store your tree in a location where it is protected from the sun and wind, like an unheated garage or covered porch. When you’re ready to bring the tree into your home, follow the instructions above, making sure to pick a location in your home where your tree will be away from ALL heat sources.​

Be Safe!

Check all electric lights and connections before decorating your tree. NEVER use lights with worn or frayed cords or lighted candles on your tree. Be careful not to overload electrical circuits. Place your tree away from fireplaces and other heat sources. In addition to creating fire hazards, these sources speed evaporation and moisture loss, causing your tree to lose needles. Be sure to turn off all decorations before retiring for the evening, or any other time you leave your home.