What method is the best to keep your Christmas tree fresh?

Answer 1

Buy a fresh tree. Cutting one at a tree farm is the best. The amount of time from when the tree is cut until the tree gets in water is important.

Make a fresh cut on the tree. The sooner you get the tree in water after the fresh cut the better.

Keeping the tree watered is the most important factor. Most trees will run out of water overnight. When this happens your "fresh cut" starts to degrade and seal off.

For years we have used a watering device that uses a 2 liter pop bottle of water. Our current tree uses about 1/2 a bottle over night.

I found a link to a similar waterer that is enclosed in a wrapped box.

Adding a quarter of a cup of alcohol to 2 liters of water can help keep the natural resins from the tree from hardening and plugging the water pathways.

We have made some Christmas Trees last until Valentines day and it is not unusual for new growth to start to grow on the tree.

Answer 2

If it is a cut tree, you need to:

1. Make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree. Cut at least 1" off the bottom of the tree trunk.

2. Keep the tree hydrated with warm water and either a commercial preservative like Prolong or use a homemade solution of :

1 gallon water
2 cups light corn syrup
4 teaspoons chlorine bleach
4 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar (optional)

3. Keep your tree in cool place away from direct heat and sunlight.

A fresh tree can drink a quart or more of water a day so make sure the tree stand reservoir stays full.

Answer 3

I've tried sugar water, 7-up, etc. I didn't notice any difference than using regular water. The best way I have found is to
cut the bottom of the tree and put it in plain water right away. Keep it watered throughout the season and it will do just fine. For several years, I didn't have a small saw so I would have the place where I bought it cut the bottom for me.

Gina G

Answer 4

Before putting it in the tree stand cut off a thin section of the end of the trunk. Make sure to replenish the water in the tree stand daily. Never let it go dry. Should last a good three to four weeks safely.

Answer 5

do not unplant it in the first place.

that's the best way to keep it as it is... people unplant / chop trees and expect them to stay fresh long would be a short dream as all things will die without a source of nutrition from somewhere.... same will all living things...

Answer 6

keep the tree well hydrated, don't put it next to a heat vent and don't leave the lights on all night long or when not around to enjoy the tree (which would be a bad idea anyway :)

Answer 7

For me, the best way to keep a live x-mas tree fresh is to buy one that is truly alive, meaning, I buy one with the rootball intact. This year I bought an Italian stone pine. Simply gorgeous. And not too expensive either. 25 bucks at meijer. Next year I will buy even bigger. I am also going to locate and buy one that it native to my state since it will give more benefit to the local wildlife native to this area.

Anyways, you can plant it in your yard or give it to family/friends to plant if you live in an apartment like me. My apt. manager is letting me put it in their tool shed so it can get used to the cold slowly before I plant it in a larger pot on my balcony. Then, come spring, it will find a home at my parents house.

The plant will last for years, not just several weeks and it will help the environment as well.

Answer 8

May sound kinda weird, but i was told to put 7 up or sprite in the water and it keeps it alive longer. Im not sure what part of the soft drink prolongs its life, but i guess something does. Or it might just be a crock. :)

Answer 9

if it's a fresh one put some water in the tree holder.

Answer 10

My Christmas tree is made of wire and silk.
I don't kill trees for Jesus.