Will my tree dry out before christmas?

Question

My house maintiains a temp. of about 78 degrees. My husband and I wanted to get a real tree, but we are unsure if it will survive in our environment. I thought it would be alright if we water it twice a day or so, but others say no way not to bother. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

For cut trees:

On average - a tree should not be left inside longer than 7-10 days although some species can last up to 2 weeks.
Refresh the tree by making a straight cut, taking one inch off the butt and immediately place in water. This will improve water uptake.
Place the tree in a stand that can hold at least 1 gallon of water. You should expect the tree to take up additional water. Water the new tree until water uptake stops.
Always keep the base of a tree in water. If the base dries out, resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. You don't need anything other than regular tap water - drying out deters future water uptake and will need a new cut. Commercially prepared mixes like aspirin, sugar and other additives introduce into the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh.
Check for worn Christmas tree light electrical cords and always unplug at night. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Using miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree or any chance of fire.
Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for (using the first five steps) should last at least five weeks before drying out. Some species keep their moisture longer than others.

* For easier watering, buy a funnel and a 3 to 4 foot tube. Slip the tube over the funnel outlet, extend tubing down into the tree stand and water without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt. Hide this system in an out-of-the-way part of the tree.

For Live trees:

Gradually introduce your living tree from outside to inside over three or four days via the garage or enclosed porch. A tree that is dormant and exposed to immediate warmth will start to grow. You want to avoid any quick resumption of growth.
While the tree is introduced into the house via porch or garage, check for critters and insect egg masses as the tree acclimatizes.
You can visit your nearest lawn and garden supply store to purchase a spray with an antidessicant or antiwilt product to minimize needle loss (do this during the introduction phase). This particular product will not only reduce needle loss, it will contain the loss of valuable moisture lost to a climate controlled home.
* If possible, place your tree cut or live in the coolest part of the room and away from heating ducts. This will work with the antiwilt product to keep the tree moist and prevent the loss of valuable moisture.
Place the tree in a large galvanized tub including root ball. This tub stabilizes the tree and ball (or pot) and confines water and needles into a more manageable and cleanable space.
Stabilize the tree in the tub in a straight and vertical position using rocks or bricks. Water only in the tree's container if not a balled-in-burlap tree.
If balled-in-burlap, fill empty space around and on top of the ball with mulch to retain as much moisture as possible. Then water your tree as often as necessary to moisten the roots but not soggy.
Leave inside no longer than 7-10 days (some experts suggest only 4 days). Never add nutrients or fertilizers as that may initiate growth which you don't want to occur in a dormant tree.
Carefully introduce tree back outside using the reverse procedure and plant as instructed in my How to Plant a Tree feature. If you live in a climate where soils freeze, you should have prepared a planting hole during moderate temperatures.

* You can skip the galvanized tub and stabilization steps if the tree has been already packed in a plastic bucket. You can protect the floor and carpet from water by using a pan.
Antidessicants and antiwilt products are sold under names like - Wilt Pruf & Cloud Cover.

* Most tree experts recommend that a living tree can be used indoors, at least in cold climates, up to 2 weeks. Ideal temp. should be no higher than 65 - 68 degrees but they will do fine in a temp. of 72-74

.. May your holiday be truly memorable

Answer 2

you need to start with a healthy tree, if you get in from a lot, shake the limbs to make sure no needles fall off. Have them make a fresh cut off the trunk for you if you plan to take it home and put it in water right away. If it will be a day or two, then cut an inch off the stem before you put it in water. Water each day, especially the first few days when it is sucking up lots of water, make sure the water level never goes below the trunk or it will not take in water after that. If you do that it will last until Christmas. I once had a Christmas tree for 3 months and it stayed healthy.

Answer 3

If you get it a little after thanksgiving it will be fine. Evergreens live in acidic soil so when you water it you can try putting in a little vinegar, not too much. Dont ever let the stump get dry, it will scab over and not suck up water. We always get real trees, and have tried the vinegar and water and it works fine but plain water at room temperature works awesome too. That's what we usually use, it's easier and it probably works just as well.

Answer 4

78 degrees??? that's like a sauna.you can get a real tree but don't put it up right away. wait til about 11/2 weeks before christmas and watch the water constantly. you could also put a humidifier in the room. it might help.

Answer 5

that is the perfect temperature for your tree. But you must keep watering it. If you have a humidifier then you should turn that on too. Another great thing to do is water it using any type of CLEAR sugary soda. It gives the tree a longer lifespan. Merry Christmas!

Answer 6

Your home is way too warm for a live tree, even if you water it daily. It may dry out quickly & then could become a fire hazard when the lights on it are lit.

Answer 7

When you bring it home, immediately put it in a bucket of water. Add sugar. One cup of sugar to 1 gallon of water. Keep giving it sugar water. It acts like sap and keeps the tree moist.

Answer 8

make sure you get a good tree to start with and keep water in the base

Answer 9

maybe ur house too hot liao can be a sauna liao
ltr ur tree get charred and u get eat that 4 hristmas instead of eating turkey or log cake

Answer 10

christmas tree perish if they are kept above the temp. u mentioned above.instead,u can keep it in a.c or something till christmas