Whether it’s your first holiday season using a natural tree or if you’re just looking for some tips to keep your Christmas tree fresh for longer, follow our steps below to prevent the tree from drying out and creating a mess in your home.
Buy it Fresh from a Tree Farm
Avoid buying your tree from a wholesale lot. These trees are usually cut down early, which will expedite those falling needles and the mess it will create. Instead, buy it directly from tree farms and growers. They cut down their trees around late November, giving the tree roots as much time as possible to remain in the ground, fresher and healthier.
Choose a Hardier Tree
Choosing a hardier type of tree will also make it last and remain fresh for longer. Whether it’s Douglas, Fraser or Balsam, any type of fir tree is usually the best choice. But the Fraser fir tree is an ideal choice if you want that classic triangular Christmas tree. The needles are softer to touch, yet still firm enough to hang your decorations on. It’s also more suitable for those with children or pets since it won’t hurt to touch.
Cut the Trunk Before Mounting
With any tree you get, make sure to cut a few inches – about a hockey puck worth – off the bottom of the trunk before assembling it at home. This will create a fresh cut that will allow the tree to absorb water more easily. You might even be able to get the base cut from your local tree grower but only do this if you plan on putting it up right away.
Place it in Water
The combination of dry winter air and indoor heating can cause the tree to dry out quickly. When you’re ready to mount the tree in the base, add about one or two litres of water. Check it every day to make sure there’s ample water in the base at all times.
If it Dries Out
If the base ends up drying out completely, then you will likely have to cut another few inches off the trunk to help preserve it over the holidays —another good reason to keep checking water level regularly to see when it should be topped up.
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