Now that the holiday season is officially here, we are excited to bring a few helpful tree care tips as provided by the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York.
How to Take Care of Your Christmas Tree
Taking proper care in the selection and maintenance will enhance the enjoyment of your Christmas tree and keep it fresh and fragrant throughout the holiday season. Plus check below for just some of the local places to find Christmas trees in our area.
- FRESHNESS Test the needles to be sure they are firmly attached; then bend a couple of them to be sure they are pliable and not dry. Looking for a pre-cut or cut-your-own tree? Here are just a few places to go for your family adventure in search of the perfect Christmas tree.
Looking for where to cut your own tree? Click here for our list of local places
- PROPER SIZE – HEIGHT & WIDTH A Christmas tree should be sized to the ceiling height. Take into consideration the stand at the bottom and the ornament on top. Also, be guided by the amount of floor space available.
- TREE FULLNESS Some like a very heavy, full tree. Others prefer a lighter tree with space between branches for easier decorating. Heavy decorations require stiffer branches.
- STORING Keep the tree away from wind and sun with the butt submerged in water until you’re ready to bring it into the home.
- TREE STAND Good safety practices and true enjoyment depend on a modern stand that holds a minimum of one gallon of water or more for large trees.
- ALWAYS MAKE A FRESH CUT Your tree is a living product and requires water the same as cut flowers. Before bringing the tree inside, make a fresh cut off the butt (bottom of trunk) about an inch long (this removes the portion that has been clogged by the tree sap healing over the cut.)
- INITIAL WATER Be sure to use very warm water as the initial supply to enhance the tree’s water circulation. Cold tap water may be used thereafter.
- HEAT SOURCES Be sure to place the tree away from all heat sources such as hot air vents, fireplaces, stoves, or direct sunlight.
- LIGHTS Use only UL approved lights. Never overload your electric circuits. Never use or burn candles or any other flame-type decorations. (Miniature lights are very good because they stay cool, do not dry out the needles, and draw fewer amps.)
- WATER Be sure to check the water supply regularly. A fresh tree may absorb a gallon of water the first 24 hours, and then a pint or more daily thereafter. Never allow the water to get below the cut end of the trunk!
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