Some people have seen TV or newspaper advertisements for products that you add to the water in your tree stand. Others have concocted their own mixtures, with ingredients such as sugar, bleach, 7-Up, syrup, or the ever-popular vodka.
Researchers have found that your best bet is plain old tap water. It doesn't have to be distilled water, Perrier mineral water or anything like that. So, the next time someone tells you to add ketchup or something even more bizarre to your tree stand, don't believe it.
A fresh Christmas tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours after the new cut is made, and one or more quarts a day thereafter depending upon the temperature in the room and the number of lights and ornaments on the tree. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off, the boughs from drooping and it keeps the tree fragrant.
Check the water level in the reservoir and add water daily. A tree is beginning to dry out if its water use slows or stops. A seal of dried sap will form over the butt end of the tree in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. When this happens, another fresh cut should be made, however, this is usually impractical once the tree is decorated. So, keep the tree watered.
Keep the tree away from heat and draft sources such as fireplaces, TV's, radiators, and air ducts. And, of course, never have open flames on or near a Christmas tree.
2006-12-10 11:48:33
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answer #2
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answered by Smurfetta 7
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You can put a couple of tablespoons of sugar, but we always use about a half a can of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite). It works!
2006-12-10 11:33:29
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answer #3
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answered by Robin 3
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