Every Christmas, people have to choose between buying a fake Christmas tree and opting for a naturally gorgeous fresh-cut Christmas tree. In light of the amazing Christmas traditions that have been going on for years, a fresh-cut Christmas tree is the ideal option. However, these wonderful trees also come with their fair share of problems.
The biggest problem associated with fresh-cut Christmas trees is that they are very difficult to look after, so you will have to put in extra effort to keep your real tree as healthy and as fresh as possible, at least until the Christmas season ends.
However, you don’t have to worry about this problem anymore if you have decided to go for a fresh-cut Christmas tree. To help you out, we have compiled some tips on how to take care of your fresh-cut Christmas tree.
So let’s get started:
Check the Tree for Freshness
The first tip to ensure that your tree remains fresh throughout is to choose the right tree! Buying a healthy tree in the first place, will make it easier for you to take care of it. You can test the freshness of the tree by running your hand along a branch. Start near the trunk and make your way down to the end of the branch, tugging its needles in the process. If the needles keep falling off the tree and into your hands, you should avoid buying it as this indicates that the tress is not fresh.
Cut the Tree
Yes, when you purchase your tree, it has already been cut. However, once you bring your Christmas tree home from the farm or lot, you will have to chop it again. It is recommended to cut a thin disk (around 1/4th inches) off the bottom of the trunk before putting it up in your house. Cutting off the bottom makes it much easier for your tree to soak in and absorb water, keeping it fresh and healthy.
Make Sure the Tree Stand is Big Enough
You will have to buy a stand to go along with your Christmas tree before setting it up in your house. So, you need to ensure that you purchase the perfect stand size for your tree. Fresh-cut trees are available in different sizes. If you buy a tree with a thick trunk, make sure that it fits well into the stand. You shouldn’t have to carve out the edges of your tree trunk to make it fit into a smaller stand. If the stand is too small, your tree will not be stable and will not be able to absorb water properly.
Keep the Tree in Water
All trees, including your fresh-cut Christmas tree, need water. It is essential for you to keep the trunk of your tree submerged in fresh water at all times to keep it healthy and fresh-looking. Keep this factor in mind when purchasing a stand for your Christmas tree as the stand should be big enough to hold around a gallon of water to keep the bottom of the trunk completely submerged.
Don’t Add Preservatives
Many people want their Christmas trees to last long, so they resort to using bleach, preservatives or additives. However, adding any sort of extra chemicals or substances to your tree will not make it healthier. In fact, these substances decrease a tree’s moisture retention ability and increase needle loss.
Remember, all your fresh-cut Christmas tree needs is clean and fresh water to survive.
Select an Appropriate Location
This is an essential step that places a key role in maintaining the freshness of your real Christmas tree. You need to store your tree in an appropriate location within your house. You can’tplace it near any fireplaces, appliances, heaters or any other potentially hazardous fixtures. This is because trees tend to become more flammable as they age.
Moreover, you shouldn’t store your tree in a very cold area or in an area with a lot of foot traffic, as that can lead to slips and falls.
Keep an Eye on Water Level
Water is one of the most important elements that will keep your tree fresh. You need to keep an eye on the water level in your tree’s stand. The water level should be so high that the trunk of your tree is submerged in it. If at any point, you feel like the water line is below that, you should instantly use a watering can to refill it.
You should not allow the water level to drop below the fresh cut or the stem will reseal your tree, and it will be unable to absorb the water.
Fresh-cut Christmas trees are very thirsty! It is pretty normal for a Christmas tree to consume up to 2 gallons of water the first day it is placed in the stand.
Check Regularly for Dryness
Another tip on how to take care of a fresh-cut Christmas tree is to check for dryness regularly. For this, you can use the same technique that you used to check the freshness of the tree. Run your hands along the trunks and keep an eye on the needles.
You should check for dryness regularly after you have set it up,because once a tree becomes really dry, it becomes a safety hazard and should be thrown out immediately.
Use the Correct Lights
Before decorating your Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, you need to check your lights to ensure that they are safe to use. For instance, there shouldn’t be any exposed wiring or missing bulbs. The best and safest choice is to get new lights for decoration every year. Moreover, to secure your tree even further, you should opt for smaller lights that give out less heat and are safe to use.
All in all, looking after fresh-cut trees requires a little work, but it is surely worth it!
If you are looking to buy a great and reliable fresh-cut Christmas tree, visit our website now!