Make a Fresh Cut
With the proper care, the perfect tree you have selected will stay green and healthy throughout the holidays, minimizing clean-up and maximizing the joy of your holiday. Here are a few tips:
- Make a fresh cut on the bottom of the tree to open up the pores, which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water.
- After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between when the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put into water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water.
- Rinse water reservoir of the tree stand with a mixture of one capful of bleach and one cup of water before inserting the tree. This reduces the growth of micro-organisms that can block the tree's ability to absorb water. Be careful to avoid spilling or splashing the bleach on carpeting, etc.
- Place the tree in a sturdy stand, which will hold at least one gallon of water after the tree has been placed in it. Fill with plain water.
- If the tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of warm water on a cool porch or patio away from wind and sun in warm climates, and protected from freezing temperatures and wind in cold climates.
- An average tree may consume between one quart and one gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed by the tree unless another fresh cut is made. So don't forget to add water every day.