Learn expert ways to extend the life of your Christmas tree this holiday season.
How long does a Christmas tree lasts?
It depends largely on how well you care for it.
Credit: David A Land
Treat your live tree right with regular watering, and it will last four to five weeks.
What can you do to keep your tree alive longer?
Here, we share a pro’s tips for the best possible results.
Credit: Ball and Albanese
Dennis Sonsis a tree expert and the owner of online plant retailer Tennessee Nursery.
Tips for Keeping a Real Christmas Tree Alive
1.
Choose a Healthy Tree
Start by choosing the right tree.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
A healthy tree tends to have fewer brown needles.
Thespecies of treecan determine its lifespan.
Water It Well
Water is the most important element to keeping your tree fresh and alive.
Place the tree in water as soon as you get home.
Get a stand with a generously sized built-in reservoir to keep the trunk submerged.
Additionally, Sons suggests the following solution.
Add 12 cup of granulated sugar to 5 gallons of water with 12 cup of vinegar.
Sugar gives nourishment and also preserves the sap in the tree to keep it alive longer.
Vinegar acts as a pH stabilizer and also protects the tree stem from unwanted rot and bacteria.
Check the water level daily and replenish it as needed.
Add pennies to the water, Sons suggests.
The copper in them acts as an acid enhancer and reduces fungus and mold.
If youre handy, you could do it yourself at home before placing the tree.
In the face of excessive warmth, it will shed its needles to conserve moisture.
Additionally, warm, stagnant water can grow mold.
Also, keep the room’s temperature low, and use smaller lights on the tree.
Swap standard lights with LED Christmas tree lights, which don’t get as hot.
To slow the drying process, always turn off the lights when leaving the room.
Never leave your Christmas lights on for hours unattended.
Learn fire safety basics and double-check everyone in your household is observing safe care of the tree.
Keep the tree well-watered and cool.
Fresh water and timely trunk care extend the life of your trees by days, if not weeks.
It’s a good rule of thumb to check the water daily and refill as needed.
Try not to forget!
