If you've found this page, then no doubt you are one of the 35 million live tree purchasers each year – For that, we thank you!
Below we have provided some key tips for you to get the most enjoyment out of your Christmas tree this season.
Step 1 - Selecting Your Tree
Sometimes it can be overwhelming when looking for the perfect Christmas tree. Using the tips will make your experience more enjoyable.
Be sure you know what size (height and width) you need before heading to the retail lot or tree farm.
Do a freshness test on the trees. Green needles on fresh trees break crisply when bent sharply with the fingers.
Look for other indicators of dryness or deterioration: excessive needle loss, discolored foliage, musty odor, needle pliability, and wrinkled bark. A good rule-of-thumb is, when in doubt about the freshness of a tree, select another one.
Some species last longer and remain fresh longer than others in different climates. Ask your retailer which tree performs best in your climate.
Step 2 - Caring for Your Tree
When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees.
Displaying trees in water in a traditional reservoir type stand is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems. We recommend using a Home Logic Christmas Tree Stand.
Make a fresh cut to remove about a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty.
Use a stand that fits your tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake.
Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake.
Step 3 - Safety Precautions
To keep your family and home safe during the holidays Home Logic would like to offer some holiday safety tips.
Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set.
Do not overload electrical circuits. Overloaded electric outlets and faulty wires are the most common causes of holiday fires in residences.
Always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or when going to bed.
Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house.
Remember to keep your tree positioned away from fireplaces, furnaces, furniture, and anything else that may come in contact with the tree. Also, be sure to position the tree near an outlet so you do not have wires running across the floor.
Environmental Tips
Real Christmas Trees Are a Benefit to the Environment.
Every acre of Christmas Trees grown produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people.
Please remember to recycle your Christmas tree. Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your Zip code to find a recycling program near you.