Buying a real Christmas tree this year? Take care of it with these tips
If you’re buying a real Christmas tree to deck your halls this year, there are a fair bit of pitfalls you can encounter from the tree lot all the way to the end of the holiday season.
Taken care of properly, National Christmas Tree Association seasonal spokesman Doug Hundley told USA TODAY, a Christmas tree can last anywhere from three to five weeks.
It depends on the variety of tree regionally available, as pines last for two to three weeks, spruces can last for three to four, and firs can last up to a month and possibly even longer. With proper care, all Christmas trees should last through the season, he said.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your tree looking fresh through the holiday.
Cut the tree yourself
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, some trees are cut weeks before they’re sold. The freshest ones, per a report from Penn State University, are farmed locally. To ensure your tree lasts as long as possible, go to a farm that lets you cut it down yourself – often called a choose-and-cut farm.
"The great thing is the experience, taking your kids and your family, and having this hunt for the right tree," Hundley said, "and more than anything, seeing where your tree comes from." Nearly all trees bought in North America, he said, are grown in North America.
But no matter where you get it, take the foliage of the tree and slide it through your hands. If it feels dry or brittle, consider another one, Hundley advised.
Secure the tree to your car while taking it home
Whether you selected your tree at a farm or went to a converted parking lot, securing your Christmas tree properly can mean the difference between having a decorated tree at home and leaving it behind on the road.
A survey from AAA found that 44% of Americans who buy a Christmas tree didn't properly secure it on the way home.
Wrap it up and point the bottom of the tree forward to keep needles from being blown off, advises AAA. Make sure to tie it securely, too, AAA adds, by securing the tree at the top, bottom, and middle. Tie the tree down at fixed points on the car, and loop it around the trunk.
Cut off the bottom of the trunk
Hundley says the sap from the tree can seal off the pores in the trunk once it’s cut. It makes it good for preserving the tree after it's cut, but once you take it home, it makes it harder to keep moist. Sawing an inch off the bottom before putting your tree in water will ensure it stays hydrated, he said.
Make sure to cut perpendicular to the tree trunk for maximum water intake. Don't cut at an angle or a V-shape, the National Christmas Tree Association advises.
Water it – and buy a good tree stand.
A Christmas tree's longevity is only as good as the tree stand it's placed in, Hundley told USA TODAY.
"Get tree stands that are large enough to have a water reservoir, at least a gallon of water – fill it up while that cut is still fresh and it'll start flowing," Hundley said.
Make sure the tree stand is filled with water at all times, and make sure the water level never goes below the base of the tree. The National Christmas Tree Association recommends 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
Keep it away from heat sources
Real trees can be a serious fire hazard, so keep it away from heaters, ducts, candles and anything else that could ignite your tree, the National Christmas Tree Association advises.
It's also bad for the longevity of your tree, added Hundley. The tree will dry out if it's next to a heating vent, no matter how fresh it is.
Use lights that produce low heat to keep your tree from igniting, and don’t overload electrical circuits. Always turn the tree lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.
And, crucially, recycle the tree after Christmas if it gets dry. Most cities and communities offer programs to convert the tree into mulch, or another way to dispose of the tree sustainably.
"A fresh tree is almost impossible to set on fire," Hundley said. A tree that's dry is a fire hazard, no matter how cautious you are with keeping it away from light and heat sources, can ignite more easily, he cautioned.
Follow Katey Psencik and Joshua Bote on Twitter: @psencikk and @joshua_bote
